Internet caching giant Akamai has released its newest 'State of the Internet' report, rating the UK at a disappointing 25th in the European high-speed broadband stakes.

Based on around 600 million unique IPs connecting through Akamai's systems - representing some 30 per cent of all internet traffic world-wide, the company claims - the UK is rated just 25th in Europe, with just 30 per cent of connections rated above 5Mbit/s according to an analysis by Techwatch.

While that figure represents an increase of some 70 per cent year-on-year and 18 per cent from last quarter, it's a scathing indictment of the state of UK broadband investment compared to the rest of Europe.

The average speed ratings also show a disappointing result for the UK, with our ranking of a seemingly impressive 18.9Mbit/s placing us 28th in Europe. Low-speed broadband penetration was slightly better, with the UK hitting 11th place thanks to around 91 per cent of all connections being over 2Mbit/s.

The only area in which the UK can be proud is in overall internet penetration, where a 15 per cent increase year-on-year allowed us to rise to 6th place world-wide.

Clearly, Akamai's figures show that more investment in high-speed broadband technology is required. With the government looking to force investment in rural broadband, and several new technologies for wireless connectivity on the horizon, things could change - but it's going to take time, and money, to see the UK rise through the ranks.