IT contractors have been told not to worry about the UK's slow broadband speeds following a study that shows the country is only 26th in the world in terms of fibre optic cable provision.

Figures published by Akamai show that the average connection in this country is 3.4Mbps, which Broadband Genie editor Chris Marling claimed is sufficient for many people.

He said that this means it is not a cause for concern as, at present, only gamers or extremely high-tech businesses have a need for a 14Mbps average connection.

"Slower speeds won't affect you until we start seeing practical applications for these high speed lines, such as 3D TV," he explained.

Mr Marling said that when this technology becomes commercially viable then IT contractors are more likely to need a connection of this speed.

Akamai released its figures shortly after the launch of a government initiative designed to extend fibre optic broadband to 90 per cent of the UK in the next seven years, which could create new opportunities for IT contractors situated in rural areas.