Full fibre broadband is now available to over 82% of UK premises as of early 2026, according to the latest thinkbroadband data, marking a major milestone in the shift away from slower copper-based connections and towards gigabit-capable speeds for the majority of households.
Key Areas We Will Cover
Introduction
Full fibre broadband, commonly known as FTTP or fibre to the premises, provides a complete fibre optic connection directly to your home, bypassing outdated copper lines for superior speed and reliability. As the UK accelerates its rollout with Openreach targeting 25 million premises by the end of 2026 and overall coverage surpassing 82%, understanding full fibre and its clear advantages over standard connections like ADSL and FTTC is crucial for anyone looking to future-proof their internet setup, handle multiple devices, or simply enjoy buffer-free streaming and seamless remote working.
What is Full Fibre Broadband?
Full fibre broadband uses fibre optic cables, consisting of thin glass strands, to transmit data as pulses of light directly from the provider's network all the way to your property. This is technically called fibre to the premises (FTTP) or fibre to the home (FTTH), and it's often marketed as ultrafast or gigabit broadband.
Major providers such as BT (via Openreach), Virgin Media, Vodafone, Sky, TalkTalk, and altnets like CityFibre or G.Network offer full fibre packages. Unlike older technologies, there's no copper involved in the final connection, which eliminates slowdowns caused by distance, electrical interference, or weather. This results in consistently high speeds, often symmetrical (equal upload and download), with packages ranging from 100Mbps up to 1Gbps or more in many areas.
How Full Fibre Differs from Standard Broadband Connections
Standard UK broadband typically includes ADSL (pure copper) and part fibre or FTTC (fibre to the cabinet). The core difference lies in the infrastructure: full fibre eliminates copper entirely for the last stretch.
Technology and How It Works
Speed and Performance Comparison
Full fibre offers dramatically higher speeds:
Ofcom and industry data show real-world full fibre averages well over 400Mbps, compared to around 60Mbps for FTTC and under 15Mbps for ADSL. Full fibre also provides lower latency, making it ideal for online gaming, video calls, and large file uploads.
Reliability and Consistency
Full fibre experiences far fewer interruptions from distance-related degradation, electrical noise, or peak time congestion. It performs reliably in adverse weather and supports more devices without slowdowns. Standard connections, particularly ADSL, suffer more outages and variability, while FTTC improves on ADSL but still faces copper-related issues.
Future Proofing and Long-Term Value
With the ongoing PSTN copper switch off (phasing out traditional phone lines by around 2027-2030), full fibre is the future standard. It handles growing demands like 8K streaming, smart homes, and VR effortlessly, while older technologies face retirement.
Benefits of Full Fibre Broadband
Drawbacks are mainly availability in some rural areas (though coverage grows rapidly) and occasionally higher entry costs, though promotions frequently include free setup or rewards.
Current Availability and How to Check Full Fibre in Your Area
As of January 2026, full fibre (FTTP) covers over 82% of UK premises, with gigabit-capable broadband nearing 90%. Openreach leads, but altnets add competition and choice in many locations. Use postcode checkers from Openreach, providers like BT, Virgin Media, or comparison sites to see what's available where you live. Government initiatives like Project Gigabit continue expanding rural access.
Conclusion
Full fibre broadband delivers the UK's fastest and most reliable internet by using fibre optic technology all the way to your home, vastly outperforming standard ADSL and part fibre FTTC in speed, symmetry, consistency, and future readiness. With coverage now exceeding 82% and rising, it's increasingly accessible and often the smartest choice for modern households.
Upgrade to Full Fibre with Broadband Money Saver Today
Discover if full fibre could transform your connection by running our free broadband speed test, then compare the latest full fibre deals tailored to your postcode at Broadband Money Saver. Many providers offer competitive pricing, no setup fees, and rewards in 2026, so you could start saving and enjoying faster internet sooner than you think. Head over to broadbandmoneysaver now to check availability and find your perfect package.
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