Britain’s 4G LTE speeds are slowing as more users jump on board

The average download speed achieved by mobile users on Britain’s 4G networks fell slightly during the second half of 2014, according to a new Ofcom study.

The communications regulator’s report, (via Guardian) intimates downloads are slowing as more and more customers jump on board with the next-gen mobile connectivity.

Ofcom says 4G LTE speeds across the four major networks fell to an average of 14.7Mpbs during the the final quarter of 2014, from an average of 15.1Mbps recorded during the second quarter.

The watchdog took the two tests six months apart. The only two cities featured in the first and second tests were London and Edinburgh. While London’s average speed stayed consistent. Edinburgh’s fell by 12 per cent.

“As more people are taking 4G services from the mobile operators, this is likely to affect the average speeds being received,” Ofcom wrote.

Although networks like EE and Vodafone continue to boost speeds around the UK, the average appears to have been dragged down by the likes of Three and O2.

Both of those networks, who are soon to become bedfellows of course, saw their average speeds drop by around 2Mbps during the six month test period.

Read more: EE to begin testing 450Mbps 4G LTE in mid-2015

Those early 4G adopters who may be disappointed their speeds are falling as more users convert to 4G contracts, may be heartened by the alternative.

The national average for 3G connections is 5.9Mpbs, making the UK’s 4G speeds twice as fast as the previous generation, as of last winter.

Have you noticed your 4G downloads drop off a little over the last few months? Share your experiences in the comments section below.