What is fibre broadband?

Fibre broadband harnesses the power of fibre-optic cables to deliver internet to your doorstep, transmitting data through pulses of light.

These advanced cables boast superior capacity and efficiency compared to outdated copper wiring, resulting in blazing-fast speeds and rock-solid reliability for your internet connection.

Is fibre broadband available in my area?

The availability of fibre-optic broadband varies across the nation, depending on the type of fibre broadband infrastructure in your vicinity. However, the good news is that nearly everyone has access to some form of fibre broadband, tailored to meet their speed requirements.

There are primarily two types of fibre broadband connections, each offering different speeds to cater to your needs.

Part-fibre broadband

The most prevalent and favoured form of fibre broadband in the UK is part-fibre, also known as fibre-to-the-cabinet or 'superfast' fibre.

This type of broadband relies on fibre-optic cables from your provider's broadband exchange to the local cabinets in your area. However, the connection from the cabinet to your home still utilises copper wires similar to a standard ADSL connection.

Part-fibre broadband offers speeds ranging from 30-70Mbps, significantly faster than a purely copper connection. It's accessible to over 97% of UK premises, making it highly likely available in your area. For most households, these speeds should suffice unless you have extensive demands such as frequent work meetings and high-definition streaming.

Full fibre broadband

In contrast, full fibre broadband employs fibre-optic cables directly from the provider's exchange to your home, providing some of the fastest broadband speeds achievable.

With full fibre, you can expect standard speeds of 50-100Mbps at reasonable prices, but the option for speeds exceeding 1Gbps (1000Mbps) exists. While such blazing speeds may seem excessive now, full fibre ensures your home remains future-proof for years to come.

Although currently available to only about half of UK homes and still inconsistent in certain areas, full fibre broadband is rapidly expanding across the country. If not yet available in your area, it's likely to be within the next few years.

Understanding Broadband Speeds: Superfast, Ultrafast, and Gigabit

Broadband speeds are often categorised into 'superfast', 'ultrafast', and 'gigabit', each denoting specific speed ranges.

Superfast broadband denotes average speeds between 30-80Mbps and is typically associated with part-fibre broadband packages. These connections marked a significant improvement over traditional copper phone line broadband, which offered speeds averaging around 10Mbps.

Ultrafast broadband encompasses speeds ranging from 100-900Mbps, with Ofcom defining it starting from 300Mbps. Initially pioneered by Virgin Media, other providers later introduced competing services, such as full fibre connections. Additionally, 5G broadband began rolling out, delivering ultrafast speeds up to 300Mbps in select urban areas.

Gigabit broadband refers to speeds of 900Mbps and above, mainly indicating rates of 1Gbps (gigabits per second). Once speeds hit 1000Mbps, they transition from megabits to gigabits, similar to how a 1000MB file size equates to 1GB.

There was a significant surge in gigabit broadband availability towards the end of 2021, marked by Virgin Media's introduction of a new 1.1Gbps broadband package across its existing network. Since then, the expansion of gigabit broadband has primarily aligned with the pace of the full fibre rollout, although Virgin is actively working to extend its network as well.

How much does fibre broadband cost?

Fibre broadband prices vary depending on the provider and desired internet speed.

Currently, widely available fibre deals range from £20-21 per month, with some smaller providers offering entry-level fibre deals for as low as £17 per month.

In today's market, the slowest fibre speeds of 35Mbps often cost similar to standard 10Mbps copper broadband. Therefore, opting for a slightly faster package could offer better value even for light internet users.

On the other hand, the fastest fibre speeds (900Mbps and above) typically come with monthly prices ranging from £50-60. While these speeds are incredibly fast, they may not be necessary for most households at the moment.

Our cheap broadband page showcases numerous low-cost fibre deals. If you're seeking impressive speeds at a great price, you may find the perfect deal there.

Value for money: price vs internet speed An effective way to assess a fibre broadband provider's value for money is by comparing the internet speeds it offers with the monthly price it charges. By evaluating the "megabits" of internet speed per £1 charged each month, you can identify providers offering the fastest speeds at the most competitive prices.

Our research indicates that some of the best value for money comes from small full fibre providers, also known as 'altnets'. While not as widely available as major providers, they often deliver impressive ultrafast speeds at surprisingly low monthly rates. To understand what makes their deals stand out in terms of value, refer to our value-for-money guide.

How does fibre internet work?

Fibre broadband gains its speed advantage from the way it delivers data and the type of cable it uses to do so.

While standard copper broadband relies on the same wires as your landline telephone, fibre-optic broadband cables, made of plastic and glass, use pulsing beams of light to transmit data. This allows fibre broadband to transmit significantly more data in any given period compared to copper cables. Unlike copper, fibre signals don't weaken over time, ensuring a more consistent connection.

This increased capacity makes fibre broadband much faster and more reliable than copper cables. The more data that can pass through at any given time, the faster the connection, and the less prone it is to outages or slowdowns, ensuring a more consistent experience.

How to find the best fibre broadband deals

To find the best fibre broadband deal, you need to consider your household's specific needs and preferences. There's no one-size-fits-all approach to broadband, as certain features and services may be more suited to you than others.

Do I need fibre internet?

While standard broadband speeds may suffice for light internet usage in small households, fibre broadband offers enhanced reliability and speed advantages that are invaluable for demanding tasks like streaming, gaming, and downloading large files.

Considering that fibre broadband is now available at similar or lower prices than standard ADSL, opting for a fibre connection is often a wise investment for improved internet performance and reliability.

Fibre Broadband: Advantages and Disadvantages

As we already know, fibre broadband has become increasingly accessible, offering numerous benefits. However, it's essential to weigh both the pros and cons of this modern internet service.

Pros:

• Enhanced Reliability: Fibre broadband is notably more consistent and reliable than traditional copper connections, resulting in fewer outages and slowdowns.
• Wide Availability: Part-fibre broadband is widely accessible, with over 97% of UK households having access to it, ensuring widespread connectivity.
• Multi-User Capability: Fibre broadband allows multiple users to stream, game, and work from home simultaneously, providing seamless connectivity for households.

Cons:

• Reliance on Copper: Part-fibre broadband still relies on copper connections to reach homes, which may lead to decreased reliability compared to full fibre.
• Limited Availability: Full fibre broadband remains less accessible, with only about half of UK households having access to its high-speed capabilities, posing limitations in certain areas.

Considering these factors can help you make an informed decision when choosing your broadband deal. You can also read our blog covering the pros and cons of fibre for more information.