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MK42 postcode

Broadband in MK42 9HQ

Bedford, Bedford

Gigabit broadband is available at this postcode.

Best speedGigabit (1Gbps+)
StandardSuperfastGigabit
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Free, independent comparison · Ofcom verified data · Updated 18 March 2026

Flood Risk

Medium

Fibre (FTTP)

TBC

Best speed

Gigabit (1Gbps+)

Reviewed by Sage MitchellData last verified: 18 March 2026

Speed Calculator

Adjust the options below to see how much broadband speed your household needs.

2
18

HD uses ~5 Mbps per person. 4K uses ~25 Mbps.

Each person on calls needs around 10 Mbps.

Competitive gaming needs low latency as much as raw speed.

Cameras, thermostats, speakers and similar devices each use a few Mbps.

Estimated speed needed14 Mbps

Gigabit broadband (Gigabit (1Gbps+)) is available at MK42 9HQ. That covers your 14 Mbps needs with room to spare.

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Speed Test

Check your current download speed and see how it compares to what is available at MK42 9HQ.

The test downloads a 2 MB file from our server and measures how long it takes.

This test measures download speed only. Results vary depending on network conditions.

Broadband availability

Source: Ofcom Connected Nations 2025 (Jul 2025)

Living near MK42 9HQ

MK42 9HQ is in Bedford. This guide pulls together data from Ofcom, Land Registry, Police.uk, and more. Every figure is specific to this postcode or its local area. We cover broadband, real-world speeds, house prices, and crime. Plus schools, flood risk, air quality, transport, and GP access. Use it to compare against other postcodes you're considering.

Internet coverage here is good. Superfast (30Mbps+) reaches 100% of premises. The UK average is around 93%. Bedford beats that. Ultrafast (100Mbps+) covers 100%. That puts Bedford ahead of most UK postcodes. Enough for streaming, video calls, and smart home devices. Gigabit connections: 100% coverage. Most homes here can get future-proof speeds.

Ofcom data covers availability. Ookla measures real performance. Average download at MK42 9HQ: 516 Mbps. Upload: 159 Mbps. Latency: 7ms. Well above the UK average of around 70 Mbps. 4K streaming on multiple devices at once. No problem. Large file downloads finish in minutes, not hours. Upload speed is strong for cloud backups. Low latency. Good for gaming and video calls. Data from 12 speed tests in this area.

Every premises at MK42 9HQ meets the broadband USO. 100% can get 300 Mbps or faster. That's a strong position for the area. Next-gen fibre infrastructure covers 100% of premises. Most of the area has modern fibre connections.

Property prices in Bedford average £200,500. That's well below the UK average of £290,000. About 31% lower than the national figure. Based on six Land Registry transactions. Most recent sale: £150,000. A terraced in May 2024. A moderate number of sales. Gives a decent picture. Below £250k. Stamp duty savings for first-time buyers. A 10% deposit would be around £20,050.

503 crimes recorded in the latest month. That's higher than most areas. Urban centres tend to record more incidents. Most common type: violent crime (205). Second: anti social behaviour (61). Third: other theft (39). Crime data is at LSOA level, not postcode. Nearby postcodes share these figures. The area covers roughly 1,500 residents. Check the full trend on Police.uk before deciding.

Five schools near MK42 9HQ. Nearest: Peter Pan Nursery School. Distance: 0.2 miles. Type: Nursery. Second nearest: Cauldwell School (0.21 mi). Also: Cherry Trees Nursery School (0.31 mi). Reasonable school options. Check individual school catchment areas for your address.

Flood risk: Medium. Zone: Zone 2/3. Moderate flood risk. Get a flood risk assessment before buying. Insurance premiums may be higher. Air quality: Fair. PM2.5: 2.5 µg/m³. Well within WHO guidelines.

Local population: 1,883. Median age: 32. Urban area. 10256 people per km². Busy area. More noise and traffic. More shops and services within walking distance. Deprivation index: decile 2 out of 10. That's more deprived than average. Income deprivation is high in this area. Education deprivation is a concern. Crime deprivation ranks poorly. Health outcomes trail the national average. Living environment quality is lower than average.

Nearest train station: Stockport. Distance: 113.6 miles. You'll need a car to get there. Also: Ashton-under-Lyne (116.6 mi). And Manchester Piccadilly (119.3 mi). Five public EV chargers nearby. Closest: 0.33 miles away. Good EV charging options in the area. Operator: BP Pulse.

Council tax: mostly Band C. Check your exact band at gov.uk/council-tax-bands. Band affects your annual bill by hundreds of pounds.

Nearest GP: CAULDWELL MEDICAL CENTRE. Distance: 0.2 miles. Five practices in the wider area. Check directly about new patient availability. GP lists fill up. Register early if you're moving. Walking distance to your GP. Handy. Register with a GP before you need one. Waiting lists vary between practices.

4G outdoor coverage: 100%. 5G outdoor: 98.9%. Strong mobile signal across the area. 5G is widely available here. Data is at local authority level from Ofcom. Street-level signal can vary. Buildings and terrain affect actual reception. Try your handset on-site before switching provider.

Remote working score: 85/100. Good setup for working from home. Family score: 55/100. Mixed for families. Depends on priorities. Scores factor in broadband, schools, crime, and GPs. They weight each category by its relevance. A low score doesn't mean the area is bad. It means specific factors may not suit that use case. Compare scores with nearby postcodes to spot patterns.

A note on broadband providers. Ofcom data shows what's available. Not which provider to pick. Actual speeds depend on your line, your router, and your provider. Check BT, Sky, Virgin Media, and local FTTP operators. Compare deals at broadbandcompareuk.com or uSwitch. Contract lengths vary. 18 months is standard. Some offer 12. Ask about setup fees. They range from free to £50+. The area gets good real-world speeds. Most providers should deliver on their promises here.

Bedford is a busy, built-up area. Expect shops, takeaways, and services on your doorstep. Parking can be tight. Noise levels higher than average. Public transport links tend to be better in denser areas.

Every figure on this page has a source. Ofcom for broadband. Police.uk for crime. Land Registry for house prices. ONS for demographics. Environment Agency for flood risk. Ookla for real speed tests. We don't estimate or interpolate. If the data isn't available, we say so.

A data profile is a starting point. Visit MK42 9HQ before making decisions. Drive the commute at peak time. Walk to the local shops. Check mobile signal inside a property, not just outside. Look at the street on Google Maps and in person. They often tell different stories.

That covers the key data for MK42 9HQ. Visit in person before deciding. Walk the streets at different times of day. Talk to neighbours if you can. Check parking, noise levels, and local shops. The numbers give you the framework. The visit fills in the rest. Data changes over time. Bookmark this page and check back for updates.

TechnologyAvailableCoverageTypical Speed
Standard (ADSL)100%
100%
10-20 Mbps
Superfast (30+ Mbps)100%
100%
TBC
Ultrafast (100+ Mbps)100%
100%
TBC
Full Fibre (FTTP)N/A
N/A
TBC
Gigabit100%
100%
TBC

Speed Distribution at MK42 9HQ

100%
300+ Mbps (100%)

Source: Ofcom Connected Nations 2025

Real-World Speeds at MK42 9HQ

Based on 12 Ookla Speedtest results (Q4 2025)

Download

516

Mbps

Upload

159

Mbps

Latency

7

ms

Tests

12

results

Source: Ookla Speedtest Open Data (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Digital Divide at MK42 9HQ

Below USO (can't get 10/1 Mbps)0%
Unable to receive 30 Mbps (no superfast)0%
Next Generation Access (NGA) coverage100%

Fibre-to-cabinet or better

Decent broadband via Fixed Wireless (FWA)0%

Source: Ofcom Connected Nations 2025

Mobile coverage

4G & 5G coverage · Ofcom Connected Nations 2025

4G Outdoor

100%

4G Indoor

99.7%

5G Outdoor

98.9%

Networks with 4G

EEO2ThreeVodafone
Ofcom Connected Nations 2025 (Jul 2025) · Data at local authority area level

Cell Tower Coverage near MK42 9HQ

No cell towers found within 2 km. Mobile signal may be weak in this area.

Source: OpenStreetMap Contributors

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Area suitability scores

MK42 9HQ

Remote Worker

85

Based on superfast broadband coverage, FTTP %, and 4G mobile outdoor coverage.

Family

55

Based on Ofsted school ratings, crime rate, flood risk, and GP surgery proximity.

Value for Money

78

Based on broadband quality relative to average house price in the area.

Map

House prices

Average price

£200,500

Sales (5 yrs)

Trend

falling

Most recent sale

£150,000 on

DatePriceStreet
£150,000HOUGHTON ROAD
£210,000HOUGHTON ROAD
£196,000HOUGHTON ROAD
£202,000HOUGHTON ROAD
£245,000HOUGHTON ROAD
£200,000HOUGHTON ROAD

Crime summary

Based on Police.uk data for 2025-12

Total crimes last month: 503

violent crime41%205
anti social behaviour12%61
other theft8%39
public order7%35
shoplifting6%30
drugs6%28
vehicle crime5%26
criminal damage arson5%24
burglary3%17
robbery2%12
other crime2%8
bicycle theft2%8
possession of weapons1%6
theft from the person1%4

Schools nearby

Nearest schools within 5 miles · Ofsted ratings as at Jan 2026

SchoolTypeOfstedRatingDistance
Peter Pan Nursery SchoolNurseryNot available★★★☆☆0.2 mi
Cauldwell SchoolPrimaryNot available★★★☆☆0.2 mi
Cherry Trees Nursery SchoolNurseryNot available★★★☆☆0.3 mi
Shackleton Primary SchoolPrimaryNot available★★★☆☆0.4 mi
Bedford Free SchoolSecondaryNot available★★★☆☆0.4 mi

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Flood risk

Zone 2/3

🟠

Flood risk: Medium

This postcode is in Zone 2/3 — medium risk of flooding from rivers and sea.

Flood Zone

Zone 2/3

Risk Level

Medium

Environment Agency flood risk data

EPC energy ratings

Energy Performance Certificate distribution for this area

D

Most common: Band D

EPC score 55–68

A
0%
B
0%
C
3%
D
14%
E
10%
F
1%
G
0%
EPC Open Data Communities API

Council tax bands

Band distribution for Bedford

C

Most common: Band C

1,841/yr · Bedford

A
7%£1,381
B
18%£1,611
C
28%£1,841
D
24%£2,071
E
13%£2,531
F
6%£2,991
G
3%£3,452
H
1%£4,142

Annual council tax estimates for Bedford, 2024/25

Valuation Office Agency (VOA) · Check exact band at gov.uk

Transport links

Nearest train stations and towns

Nearest train stations

🚂

Stockport

113.6 mi

by road

🚂

Ashton-under-Lyne

116.6 mi

by road

🚂

Manchester Piccadilly

119.3 mi

by road

NaPTAN · Straight-line distances

GP surgeries nearby

Nearest NHS GP practices

1

CAULDWELL MEDICAL CENTRE

MK42 9DJ·0.2 miles away
Not accepting

new patients

2

ICDS

MK42 9DJ·0.2 miles away
Not accepting

new patients

3

CAULDWELL MEDICAL CENTRE - UPCS

MK42 9DJ·0.2 miles away
Not accepting

new patients

4

URGENT TREATMENT CENTRE

MK42 9DJ·0.2 miles away
Not accepting

new patients

5

LONDON ROAD HEALTH CENTRE

MK42 0NT·0.4 miles away
Not accepting

new patients

NHS website (NHS.uk find a GP) · Nearest 3 GP practicesFind a GP →

Air quality

Particulate matter & nitrogen dioxide levels

Fair air quality

Air quality data not available.

PM2.5 (fine particles)2.5 μg/m³

WHO guideline: 15 μg/m³

PM10 (coarse particles) μg/m³

WHO guideline: 45 μg/m³

NO₂ (nitrogen dioxide) μg/m³

WHO guideline: 25 μg/m³

Open-Meteo Air Quality API · Guidelines: WHO 2021

EV charging nearby

Public EV charging points within 5 miles

🔋

BP Pulse

Type 22 points

0.3 mi

away

🔋

EV Charger

Type 2

0.4 mi

away

🔋

EV Charger

Type 22 points

0.5 mi

away

🔋

EV Charger

Type 22 points

0.5 mi

away

🔋

EV Charger

Type 22 points

0.5 mi

away

OpenStreetMap Overpass API (replaces decommissioned DFT National Chargepoint Registry, which closed Nov 2024) · Within 5 miles

Deprivation index (IMD)

English Indices of Deprivation 2019 · LSOA: E01017474

Overall IMD Decile

2 / 10

Most deprived

Ranked

4,869

of 32,844 areas

Decile 10 = least deprived 10% of England. Decile 1 = most deprived 10%. Based on Bedford 015C (2019 boundaries).

DomainDecileRankAssessment
Income24,122Most deprived
Employment26,076Most deprived
Education237Most deprived
Health3N/ABelow average
Crime2N/AMost deprived
English Indices of Deprivation 2019 (MHCLG)

Area demographics

Data for LSOA: Bedford 015C

Population

1,883

Census 2021

Density

10256

per km² · Dense urban

Median Age

32

years (est.)

Estimated from area type (density-based); exact value requires Census TS007 age breakdown

Census 2021 (ONS via Nomis NM_2028_1, NM_2026_1)

Area info

Parish

Bedford

District

Bedford

Region

Constituency

LSOA

E01017474

Frequently asked questions about MK42 9HQ

What are the broadband speeds available at MK42 9HQ?

Superfast broadband (30Mbps+) is available to 100% of premises at MK42 9HQ. Maximum download speeds reach Gigabit (1Gbps+). Ultrafast coverage is at 100%.

What is the average house price near MK42 9HQ?

Average property price near MK42 9HQ: £200,500. Based on 6 Land Registry sales. The most recent sale was a terraced for £150,000 in 2024.

What is the flood risk for properties at MK42 9HQ?

MK42 9HQ has a Medium flood risk rating, classified as Zone 2/3 by the Environment Agency. Check the Environment Agency flood map for detailed risk information.

What schools are nearby in the MK42 9HQ area?

The nearest school to MK42 9HQ is Peter Pan Nursery School (Nursery), 0.2 miles away. There are 5 schools within a few miles of this postcode.

How does crime rate in MK42 9HQ compare to other areas?

In the latest month of data, 503 crimes were reported in this area (LSOA level). This is higher than average. The most common category was violent crime.

How suitable is MK42 9HQ for remote working?

MK42 9HQ scores 85/100 for remote working suitability, making it well suited for home workers. This score factors in superfast broadband coverage, full fibre availability, and mobile signal strength.

What is the mobile signal like at MK42 9HQ?

4G outdoor coverage at MK42 9HQ is 100%, with 5G outdoor at 98.9%. Networks available include EE, O2, Three, Vodafone. Data is at local authority level from Ofcom Connected Nations.

What is the most common energy efficiency rating for homes near MK42 9HQ?

EPC data is not yet available for MK42 9HQ. Energy Performance Certificates are recorded when properties are sold or rented. Check the EPC register at epc.opendatacommunities.org for individual property ratings.

What is the council tax band distribution at MK42 9HQ?

The most common council tax band in Bedford is Band C. Band D council tax is approximately £1988 per year. Check your exact band at gov.uk.

How accessible are GP surgeries near MK42 9HQ?

The nearest GP surgery to MK42 9HQ is CAULDWELL MEDICAL CENTRE, 0.2 miles away. There are 5 GP practices within reach.

What transport links are available near MK42 9HQ?

The nearest train station to MK42 9HQ is Stockport, 113.6 miles away. Other nearby stations include Ashton-under-Lyne (116.6 mi) and Manchester Piccadilly (119.3 mi).

Is MK42 9HQ a suitable area for families?

MK42 9HQ scores 55/100 for family suitability, rated reasonably suitable. This score considers Ofsted school ratings, crime rates, flood risk, and proximity to GP surgeries.

What is the air quality like at MK42 9HQ?

Air quality at MK42 9HQ is rated Fair with PM2.5 levels at 2.5 µg/m³. This is close to WHO guideline levels.

How far is the nearest EV charging point from MK42 9HQ?

The nearest public EV charging point to MK42 9HQ is 0.33 miles away (BP Pulse, Type 2). There are 5 charging points within 5 miles.

Can I get full fibre broadband at MK42 9HQ?

Ultrafast broadband (100Mbps+) is available to 100% of premises at MK42 9HQ. Gigabit coverage reaches 100%. Providers like BT, Virgin Media, or local full fibre operators may serve this area.

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