Broadband Speeds in Orkney and Shetland
Real-world broadband speed data from Q3 2025. See how Orkney and Shetland compares for both download and upload speeds.
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How Fast is Broadband in Orkney and Shetland?
Based on real-world speed tests collected by ThinkBroadband in Q3 2025, Orkney and Shetland has a median download speed of 31.7 Mbps and a median upload speed of 7 Mbps.
This constituency has "Moderate" download speeds and "Poor" upload speeds. The 7 Mbps median upload may cause issues for video conferencing and cloud backups. Consider full fibre if available.
Speed Comparison for Orkney and Shetland
Understanding the Speed Data
The speed data shows the distribution of actual speeds achieved by users in Orkney and Shetland:
What the Numbers Mean
- Bottom 20%: Slowest fifth of connections
- Median: Typical speed (50% faster, 50% slower)
- Mean: Mathematical average
- Top 20%: Fastest fifth of connections
Why Median Matters Most
The median is the most reliable measure of typical performance. Unlike the mean, it isn't skewed by extremely fast or slow connections. If you move to Orkney and Shetland, you can expect speeds around 31.7 Mbps download and 7 Mbps upload.
Broadband Coverage in Orkney and Shetland
Coverage statistics from Ofcom show what connection types are available in this constituency:
Orkney and Shetland has limited full fibre coverage at 25.4%. Full fibre is still being rolled out. Many residents rely on part-fibre (FTTC) connections.
Speed Recommendations for Orkney and Shetland
Based on the actual speeds in Orkney and Shetland, here's what different activities require:
Video Conferencing (Zoom, Teams)
Typical speeds in this constituency are adequate for this activity.
Cloud Backup & File Uploads
May need a faster connection for optimal performance.
Online Gaming
Typical speeds in this constituency are adequate for this activity.
Multiple Users (4+ devices)
May need a faster connection for optimal performance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average broadband speed in Orkney and Shetland?
In Orkney and Shetland, the median download speed is 31.7 Mbps and the median upload speed is 7 Mbps. The top 20% of connections achieve 78.9 Mbps download and 17.5 Mbps upload.
Is full fibre broadband available in Orkney and Shetland?
Yes, full fibre (FTTP) broadband is available to 25.4% of properties in Orkney and Shetland. Gigabit-capable broadband covers 25.4% of premises.
How does Orkney and Shetland compare for upload speeds?
Orkney and Shetland has poor upload speeds with a median of 7 Mbps. This is important for video calls, cloud backups, and working from home.
About This Data
Speed data is sourced from ThinkBroadband (Q3 2025 measurements). Coverage data from Ofcom Connected Nations 2025. Actual speeds at your address may vary based on connection type, provider, and network conditions.