The minimum speed for a satisfactory broadband experience has grown to 10Mbps, according to international research from Ovum.
The majority of consumers from 30 markets - including 11 from APAC - require a download speed of at least 10Mbps to be satisfied with their broadband experience, the research shows.
Due to the rise in connected devices, the growing popularity of SD and HD video streaming and related factors, the average speeds required by consumers is increasing, Ovum said. For HD streaming speeds of 50Mbps or higher are required for the best broadband experience.
“Ever since broadband services were launched, there has been discussion on what is the definition of broadband and how much speed do consumers really need?", Ovum practice leader for consumer services Michael Philpott said.
“In 2015, the answer is at least 10Mbps if you wish to receive a good-quality broadband experience, and and a significant number of households, even in well-developed broadband countries, are well shy of this mark.”
The research shows that a superior fixed line consumer broadband customer experience is provided by three factors - download speeds meeting the 10Mbps threshold, a stable and reliable network with wait times no greater than 3 seconds, and responsive, effective customer service.
The APAC nations studied for the report - ranked in order of the quality of the broadband experience - were Singapore, South Korea, Japan, Australia, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and the Philippines.