What is full fibre broadband, and can I get it at my address? Our guide goes through everything you need to know about this speedy internet connection.
What is full fibre broadband?
Full fibre broadband, sometimes known as fibre-to-the-premises or FTTP broadband, is a type of fibre optic broadband.
How does full fibre broadband work?
Full fibre broadband uses fibre optic cabling to deliver an internet connection from your provider all the way to your home.
These fibre optic cables are much more efficient at transmitting data than traditional copper wires, which is why full fibre broadband can offer ultrafast speeds of 300Mbps to 1,000Mbps and beyond.
What is the difference between fibre/part fibre and full fibre?
The main difference between fibre and full fibre is how your internet reaches you.
A normal fibre optic broadband connection only uses fibre cabling between your provider to a telephone cabinet in your area, before using older, less efficient copper phone wires to complete the journey to your house.
In comparison, a full fibre connection uses high-speed fibre optic cables for the entire journey from the provider to your home.
Because full fibre uses fibre optic cables all the way, the result is a much speedier, more reliable internet connection. It’s able to deliver gigabit-ready speeds of 1Gbps (1,000Mbps) and beyond.
Our guide on FTTP vs FTTC broadband goes into more detail on the differences between the two.
What are the pros and cons of full fibre broadband?
Pros
- Much faster than standard fibre optic broadband
- Upload speeds can be just as fast as download speeds – which is great for online gaming and video calls
- No need to have a landline if you don’t want one
Cons
- Not as widely available as normal fibre optic broadband
- Often more expensive than fibre optic, though not by a massive amount
- No option for a traditional landline – if you want calls, you’ll need a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service
When is full fibre coming to my area?
According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations 2023 report, the majority of residential properties now have access to full fibre networks – 57% of premises across the UK, in fact.
Although providers continue to roll out their full fibre networks and improve coverage, not all areas in the country have access just yet. While big towns and cities will likely have their pick of providers, rural areas might have limited or no full fibre options at all.
Is your internet slow? Enter your postcode in our quick and easy FTTP checker to see the full fibre deals available at your address.
