Unlocking the Potential of Fibre Optics in the UK

How are fibre optic networks expanding and what does it mean for UK consumers and businesses?

Currently, 97% of UK premises have a superfast fibre broadband connection available to them (data from Ofcom), providing download speeds of at least 30Mbps. Despite this, there are still around 750,000 premises in the UK without a superfast broadband connection.  52% of UK premises have access to full fibre broadband and 75% of the UK can now access gigabit-capable broadband. Incredible figures that show just how far broadband has come.

In this newsletter we delve into the different types of fibre broadband available, how the networks are expanding and what we can expect in the future.

What are the different types of fibre broadband?

1. Fibre (high-speed) broadband uses fibre cables to connect the internet to your premises.  There are currently 3 types of connection in the UK.
2. Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) – also known as part-fibre/superfast broadband involves running fibre cables between the broadband provider’s exchange point and the phone cabinet on the street near your home/business. Copper cables then connect the cabinet to your premises. Most connections in the UK are superfast FTTC, providing download speeds of between 30-70Mbps. 
3. Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) – also known as ultrafast or full-fibre broadband and sometimes known as Fibre to the Home (FTTH), involves running cables directly into your home/business and avoids a streetside cabinet like FTTC. This results in a faster, fibre broadband connection. FTTP is capable of connection speeds beyond 1000Mbps.
4. Fibre to the Node (FTTN) – is just like FTTC, except the cabinet is placed a considerable distance away from your premises (several km’s). Copper wiring is then used to make up the remaining distance.

Fibre Optic Networks in 2024

As of this year, the UK has made a significant impact in deploying fibre optic networks. The government, in collaboration with the private sector, has set ambitious targets to ensure that a large percentage of households and businesses can access ultra-fast internet with plans to achieve near-universal coverage by 2030.

Companies like Virgin Media, Openreach, and CityFibre are leading this with Openreach aiming to connect 25 million premises by 2026, while CityFibre plans to reach 8 million homes by 2025. These efforts are supported by substantial investments, allocated to expand, and enhance the fibre infrastructure.

Driving Forces Behind the Expansion

There are several factors motivating the expansion of fibre optic networks in the UK:

1.      Government Initiatives and Funding: The UK government has set ambitious targets and introduced various funding to accelerate fibre deployment. "Project Gigabit" aims to provide gigabit-capable coverage to 85% of the UK by 2025. The government has also committed £5bn to connect the hardest-to-reach parts of the UK. As of May 2023, around 500,000 more homes now have access to gigabit broadband compared to earlier that year.

2.      Increased Demand for High-Speed Internet: The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of reliable internet for remote working.  As a result, consumer and business demand for high-speed connections has surged.

3.      Technological Advancements: Advances in fibre optic technology, such as improved fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) solutions, have made it more cost-effective to deploy fibre networks across both urban and rural areas.

4.      Competition in the Marketplace: The presence of multiple providers is driving innovation and encouraging more extensive network rollouts.

What are the Benefits of Fibre Optic Networks?

• Ultra-Fast Speeds: Gigabit broadband offers speeds up to 1 Gbps and beyond, significantly faster than traditional copper-based networks. This ensures seamless streaming and large file transfers.
• More devices can be connected at once: Faster connections support more devices being used simultaneously – great for larger work areas.
• Reliability and Stability: Fibre optic cables are less susceptible to dropouts and interference, providing more stable and consistent internet connections over longer distances.
• Futureproofing: Fibre networks are scalable and can accommodate future technological advancements and increased data demands.
• Economic Growth: Enhanced connectivity boosts productivity, enables improved remote working, and supports innovation.

As the fibre optic expansion continues, it will be essential for providers to prioritise affordability, customer service, and efficient Fibre Optic Network Management for the UK’s broadband market to flourish.

For more information about fibre optic broadband and the latest deals, please contact us by emailing info@piblu.co.uk or calling us on 0161 388 8188.