What is Fibre Broadband?
Everything you need to know about fibre optic broadband, including the difference between FTTC and FTTP, speeds you can expect, and how to get it.
What is Fibre Optic Broadband?
Fibre broadband uses fibre optic cables to transmit data as pulses of light. This is much faster than traditional copper telephone lines (ADSL), which transmit data as electrical signals.
The main advantage of fibre optic cables is that they can carry significantly more data over longer distances without signal degradation. This means faster speeds and more reliable connections.
In the UK, "fibre broadband" can refer to two different technologies: FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) and FTTP (Fibre to the Premises). Understanding the difference is key to knowing what speeds you can actually get.
FTTC vs FTTP: What's the Difference?
FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet)
Fibre optic cables run from the exchange to a green street cabinet near your home. The final connection from the cabinet to your property uses existing copper telephone lines.
Also called "superfast broadband" or "part-fibre"
FTTP (Fibre to the Premises)
Fibre optic cables run all the way from the exchange directly into your home. No copper is used at any point, providing the fastest and most reliable connection.
Also called "ultrafast", "full fibre", or "gigabit broadband"
Typical Fibre Broadband Speeds
| Type | Speed Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FTTC Standard | 30-50 Mbps | Light use, 2-3 people |
| FTTC Fast | 50-80 Mbps | Families, HD streaming |
| FTTP Entry | 100-150 Mbps | 4K streaming, gaming |
| FTTP Fast | 300-500 Mbps | Large households, WFH |
| FTTP Gigabit | 900-2200 Mbps | Power users, future-proof |
How to Check What's Available at Your Address
The type of fibre broadband available depends on your specific address. Even neighbours can have different options depending on which cabinet serves their property and whether FTTP has been installed.
The easiest way to check is to use a provider's postcode checker or compare deals on our site. We'll show you exactly which speeds and packages are available at your address.