FTTC vs FTTP Explained: Understanding UK Fibre Broadband
A comprehensive breakdown of the differences between FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) and FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) broadband technologies, helping you understand which is right for your home.
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When shopping for broadband in the UK, you'll encounter terms like FTTC and FTTP, but what do they actually mean? Both are forms of "fibre broadband," yet they deliver dramatically different performance. Understanding the distinction between Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) and Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) is essential for making an informed decision about your home internet connection.
This guide breaks down the technical differences, performance characteristics, and practical implications of each technology, helping you determine which type of fibre broadband is available at your address and whether it's worth upgrading.
What is FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet)?
FTTC, or Fibre to the Cabinet, is the most common type of "fibre broadband" currently available in the UK. Despite being marketed as "fibre," FTTC connections only use fibre optic cables for part of the journey from the telephone exchange to your home.
How FTTC Works
The Connection Path
- 1. Fibre optic cables run from the telephone exchange to street cabinets (the green boxes on pavements)
- 2. From the cabinet, traditional copper telephone lines carry the signal to your home
- 3. Your router connects to the copper line via a phone socket or modem
The key limitation of FTTC is the "last mile" copper connection. Copper cables were designed for telephone calls, not high-speed data transmission. As electrical signals travel through copper, they degrade, with performance dropping significantly the further you are from the street cabinet.
FTTC Speed Factors
- Distance from cabinet: The main factor affecting speed. Properties 50m away may get 80Mbps, while those 500m away might only achieve 40Mbps
- Line quality: Old or damaged copper wiring reduces speeds further
- Network congestion: Peak-time slowdowns can affect FTTC connections
FTTC Speed Tiers
Common FTTC broadband packages in the UK include:
- Standard FTTC: Up to 36Mbps download, 9Mbps upload
- Fibre 1 / Superfast: Up to 52Mbps download, 10Mbps upload
- Fibre 2 / Superfast Plus: Up to 67-80Mbps download, 18-20Mbps upload
These are theoretical maximums. Your actual speed depends heavily on your distance from the cabinet and line quality.
What is FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)?
FTTP, also known as Fibre to the Premises (or FTTH - Fibre to the Home), represents true full fibre broadband. With FTTP, fibre optic cables run all the way from the telephone exchange directly into your property, eliminating copper cables entirely.
How FTTP Works
The Connection Path
- 1. Fibre optic cables run directly from the exchange into your home
- 2. An ONT (Optical Network Terminal) is installed inside your property to convert light signals to electrical signals
- 3. Your router connects to the ONT via Ethernet cable
- 4. No copper telephone lines are used at any point
Because fibre optic cables transmit data using light rather than electrical signals, they're not susceptible to the same degradation issues as copper. Distance from the exchange has virtually no impact on your speeds, and the infrastructure can support dramatically faster speeds than FTTC.
FTTP Advantages
FTTP Speed Tiers
FTTP packages available from UK providers include:
- Entry-level: 100-150Mbps (both download and upload speeds significantly higher than FTTC)
- Mid-range: 300-500Mbps
- Gigabit: 900-1000Mbps (1Gbps)
- Multi-gigabit: 2Gbps-10Gbps (available from some alternative network providers)
For more details on FTTP broadband, see our comprehensive full fibre broadband guide.
Key Differences Between FTTC and FTTP
Real-World Speed Comparison
Let's compare how FTTC and FTTP handle common tasks to understand the practical differences:
Download Speed Examples
Downloading a 50GB game
~1.5 hours
~13 minutes
Streaming 4K video (Netflix, BBC iPlayer)
2-3 simultaneous 4K streams before buffering
15+ simultaneous 4K streams with headroom
Upload Speed Examples
Upload speeds show an even more dramatic difference, crucial for video calls, cloud backups, and content creators:
Uploading 10GB of photos to cloud storage
~1.25 hours
~12 minutes
Video conferencing (Zoom, Teams)
1 HD call comfortable, 2+ calls can struggle
Multiple simultaneous HD calls with no issues
Why Upload Speed Matters More Than You Think
Most people focus on download speeds, but upload speeds are increasingly important. Video calls, cloud backups, sharing large files, live streaming, and even online gaming all depend on upload speed. FTTP's superior upload performance is one of its biggest advantages over FTTC, especially for work-from-home professionals.
Reliability and Performance
FTTC Reliability Factors
FTTC connections can be affected by several factors that don't impact FTTP:
- Weather: Rain and moisture can degrade copper line quality, temporarily reducing speeds
- Electrical interference: Nearby power lines or electrical equipment can cause line noise
- Line age: Older copper cables deteriorate over time, especially in areas with aging infrastructure
- Peak-time congestion: Evening usage spikes can slow down FTTC connections more than FTTP
FTTP Reliability Benefits
FTTP connections offer superior reliability because:
- Weather-resistant: Fibre optic cables aren't affected by moisture or temperature changes
- No electrical interference: Light signals aren't disrupted by electromagnetic fields
- Consistent speeds: You get the speeds you pay for, regardless of time of day or distance
- Lower latency: Better for real-time applications like gaming and video conferencing
Coverage and Availability
FTTC Coverage
FTTC is available to approximately 96% of UK premises, making it the most widely accessible form of "fibre" broadband. If you live in a city, town, or village, you almost certainly have access to FTTC from providers like:
- BT Broadband
- Sky Broadband
- Plusnet
- TalkTalk
- And many others using Openreach infrastructure
FTTP Coverage
FTTP coverage has grown rapidly but still lags behind FTTC. As of late 2024:
- Approximately 65% of UK premises can access FTTP
- Coverage is best in major cities and new-build developments
- Openreach aims for 25 million premises covered by end of 2026
- Alternative network providers (Fibrus, Community Fibre, Zzoomm, etc.) are expanding coverage rapidly
- Some rural areas receive FTTP before urban areas through government subsidy schemes
Check Your FTTP Availability
Use our broadband comparison tool to check if FTTP is available at your address. Enter your postcode to see which providers offer full fibre in your area.
Cost Comparison
One of the most surprising aspects of the FTTC vs FTTP comparison is that FTTP isn't significantly more expensive, and in some cases can be cheaper.
Typical FTTC Pricing
- Standard FTTC (36-52Mbps): £22-28/month
- Superfast FTTC (67-80Mbps): £25-35/month
- Often includes phone line rental in the price
- Setup fees vary (£0-£50 depending on provider and offer)
Typical FTTP Pricing
- Entry-level FTTP (100-150Mbps): £25-32/month
- Mid-range FTTP (300-500Mbps): £30-40/month
- Gigabit FTTP (900-1000Mbps): £35-50/month
- No phone line rental needed (VoIP included if required)
- Installation usually requires engineer visit (often free or £50-100)
Value Analysis
Entry-level FTTP at 150Mbps typically costs only £3-7 more per month than FTTC at 67Mbps, yet delivers more than double the download speed and 5-10x the upload speed. For most households, FTTP represents exceptional value when available.
Which is Better for You?
FTTP is Better If:
- It's available at your address (always check first!)
- You have multiple people in your household using the internet simultaneously
- You work from home and need reliable video conferencing
- You're a content creator who uploads large files regularly
- You want future-proof connectivity as bandwidth demands grow
- You're a gamer who wants the lowest possible latency
- You currently experience slow speeds or reliability issues with FTTC
FTTC is Acceptable If:
- FTTP isn't available at your address yet
- You live alone or with one other person with light internet usage
- Your current FTTC speeds (60Mbps+) meet your needs without issues
- You primarily browse the web and stream HD video (not 4K)
- You're on a tight budget and satisfied with current performance
The Bottom Line
If FTTP is available at your address and priced within £5-10 of comparable FTTC packages, it's almost always worth choosing FTTP. The performance difference is substantial, and you're investing in technology that will serve your needs for years to come. However, if you're far from your FTTC cabinet and getting poor speeds, FTTP isn't just better—it's transformative.
Upgrading from FTTC to FTTP
If you currently have FTTC and FTTP has become available in your area, here's what to consider when upgrading:
What to Expect During Upgrade
- Check availability: Verify FTTP is available at your specific address, not just your postcode
- Compare providers: Multiple providers may offer FTTP—compare speeds, prices, and contract terms
- Engineer visit required: Unlike FTTC, FTTP installation typically takes 2-4 hours with an engineer physically installing fibre into your home
- ONT installation: A small box (ONT) will be installed inside your home where the fibre cable enters
- Router compatibility: Your existing router may work, but check with your provider
- Timing your switch: You can usually keep your existing service until FTTP is installed and activated
Common Upgrade Questions
Will I lose my phone number?
No. You can keep your existing landline number when moving to FTTP. The phone service will work over VoIP (Voice over IP) through your broadband connection instead of the traditional phone line.
Can I switch back to FTTC if I don't like FTTP?
Technically yes, but it's extremely unlikely you'd want to. FTTP is superior in every measurable way. However, you're not locked into FTTP—you can switch providers or downgrade speeds if needed.
Do I need to upgrade to the fastest FTTP package?
No. Entry-level FTTP at 100-150Mbps is still significantly better than top-tier FTTC. Start with a mid-range package and upgrade later if you need more speed— speed upgrades don't require new installation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FTTP the same as full fibre?
Yes. FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) and "full fibre" are the same thing. You may also see it called FTTH (Fibre to the Home). All these terms mean fibre optic cables run directly into your property.
Can I get FTTP if I live in a flat?
Yes, flats can get FTTP, but it may require permission from your building owner or management company. Many newer apartment buildings come pre-wired with FTTP.
Does FTTP require a phone line?
No. FTTP doesn't use traditional phone lines at all. If you want landline phone service, it's provided digitally over your broadband connection using VoIP technology.
How long does FTTP installation take?
Typically 2-4 hours for a standard installation. The engineer needs to run fibre cable to your property, install the ONT inside, and set up your router. Complex installations may take longer or require multiple visits.
Is Virgin Media FTTC or FTTP?
Neither. Virgin Media uses HFC (Hybrid Fibre-Coaxial) technology, which uses fibre to street cabinets and coaxial cable (like TV cables) to your home. It's faster than FTTC but has limited upload speeds compared to FTTP. Learn more in our BT vs Virgin Media comparison.