What is BT Full Fibre?
BT Full Fibre delivers ultrafast broadband using 100% fibre optic cables directly to your home. Learn how it works, what speeds you can get, and whether it's available at your address.
Understanding Full Fibre Technology
BT Full Fibre is a type of broadband connection that uses fibre optic cables all the way from the telephone exchange to your home. This technology is also known as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Fibre to the Home (FTTH).
Unlike traditional "fibre" broadband (which actually uses copper cables for the final connection to your home), Full Fibre eliminates all copper from the connection. This means faster speeds, lower latency, and more reliable performance.
BT Full Fibre delivers speeds from 36 Mbps up to 900 Mbps, with the potential for even faster speeds in the future as the technology evolves. It's the same network infrastructure that Openreach is rolling out across the UK.
How Does It Work?
1. Exchange
Data travels from the internet to your local telephone exchange via high-speed backbone connections.
2. Fibre Network
Pure fibre optic cables carry your data at light speed all the way to your property - no copper involved.
3. Your Home
An ONT box converts the light signals to data your router can use, delivering ultrafast speeds.
Full Fibre vs Standard Fibre
| Feature | Full Fibre (FTTP) | Standard Fibre (FTTC) |
|---|---|---|
| Technology | 100% Fibre Optic | Fibre + Copper |
| Max Download Speed | 900 Mbps+ | 80 Mbps |
| Max Upload Speed | 110 Mbps+ | 20 Mbps |
| Latency | ||
| Weather Resistant | ||
| Distance from Exchange Matters | ||
| UK Availability | ~70% | ~96% |
Benefits of BT Full Fibre
- ✓Faster speeds: Up to 900 Mbps compared to 80 Mbps max on part-fibre
- ✓More reliable: No copper cables means less interference and fewer faults
- ✓Lower latency: Better for gaming, video calls, and real-time applications
- ✓Symmetric uploads: Higher upload speeds for working from home and content creation
- ✓Future-proof: Infrastructure supports even faster speeds as technology evolves
- ✓Weather resistant: Fibre optic cables aren't affected by weather conditions
- ✓Consistent speeds: Same performance whether you're close to the exchange or not
- ✓Multiple users: Better handles many devices and users simultaneously
BT Full Fibre Packages
Full Fibre Essential
Full Fibre 2
Full Fibre 150
Full Fibre 300
Full Fibre 500
Full Fibre 900
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between Full Fibre and standard fibre?
Standard fibre (FTTC) uses fibre optic cables to the street cabinet, then copper wires to your home. Full Fibre (FTTP) uses fibre optic cables all the way to your property. This eliminates the copper bottleneck, enabling much faster and more reliable speeds.
Is BT Full Fibre available at my address?
BT Full Fibre is available to approximately 70% of UK premises. You can check availability by entering your postcode on the BT website or using the Openreach checker. Availability depends on whether your area has FTTP infrastructure installed.
Do I need new equipment for Full Fibre?
Yes, Full Fibre requires an Optical Network Terminal (ONT) to be installed in your home, usually near your existing phone socket. BT will also provide a Smart Hub 2 router. The installation is typically free and takes 2-4 hours.
Can I keep my phone number with Full Fibre?
Yes, you can keep your existing phone number when switching to BT Full Fibre. Your landline will work over Digital Voice technology rather than traditional copper lines, but your number remains the same.
Is Full Fibre more expensive than standard fibre?
BT Full Fibre packages start from £29.99/month, which is comparable to many standard fibre offerings. While some part-fibre deals may be cheaper, Full Fibre offers significantly better speeds and reliability for a similar price.
How long does Full Fibre installation take?
Installation typically takes 2-4 hours. An Openreach engineer will install a small box (ONT) inside your property and run fibre from the street to your home. In some cases, a pre-installation survey may be required.
Ready for Full Fibre?
Check if BT Full Fibre is available at your address and compare packages to find the right speed for your household.