POOLE has been named and shamed as Britain's biggest broadband loser of 2010.

Experts, who monitored broadband speeds in every UK town and city, discovered average speeds in Poole deteriorated by 54 per cent over the course of the year - from 8.99Mb to just 4.12Mb.

Meanwhile, according to the research by broadband comparison website Top10.com, neighbouring Bournemouth boasts the sixth most improved connection speed in the country.

While Poole websurfers are left cursing their laptops in frustration, Bournemouth residents are enjoying an average broadband increase of an astonishing 208 per cent - at 12.35Mb around three times faster than their neighbours.

Top10.com director Alex Buttle said: "There's a tendency to think that broadband speeds can only go in one direction, as technology gradually improves. Unfortunately, this isn't always the case.

"There are a number of factors that can actually slow up connection speeds in an area, including an increase in subscribers, faulty equipment at the exchange level, problems with copper or fibre cabling or simply more people, usually unknowingly, switching to slower providers."

These latest findings come months after the coalition government pushed back the previous Labour government's ambition to bring broadband to every British household by 2012.

Culture secretary Jeremy Hunt pledged to ensure Britain had the best superfast broadband network in Europe, but insisted it would not be in place until 2015 because of budget restrictions.

Poole resident Pam Orchard said: "Our broadband is really terrible and we've been told it is the best we can get for the area.

"Everyone who comes to my house says it's really slow - I'm not surprised by the results of this latest survey."

Mr Buttle advised customers to do their research before signing any contract.

"It is worth making the effort to investigate broadband suppliers before you commit to a contract as speeds can vary widely between provider - even on the same street."