Slow internet speeds in my area - what can I do about it?

[heeyo]

I'm paying for an 8mbps internet connection, and because I live pretty much in the countryside I only get an average of 230kbps!

I live in a village and, as I said, it's pretty much in countryside. The area is still very populated despite it being where it is.

Is there anything I can do to increase the internet speed in my area? Writing to the council, etc?

I live in England, by the way.

[geeth]

Hi here are some tips to increase your speed
Configure your browser so it won't display graphics, animations, sound, video .
Surf when Internet traffic is low. Heaviest traffic is usually on weekends and evenings.
Upgrade your modem.
Consult with your Internet service provider to ensure that your modem is configured correctly.
Replace your telephone modem with a fast-access connection such as wave, ISDN, DSL, satellite, a cable modem.
and now check your connection speed here Scanmyspeed.com .