900Mb Broadband Explained: Speed vs Household Capacity

December 8th, 2025
900Mb Broadband Explained: Speed vs Household Capacity

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As gigabit broadband becomes more widely available, more households are being offered 900Mb full fibre broadband packages—sometimes called ultrafast full fibre. But while the headline broadband speed looks impressive, the real question most people should be asking is very simple:

Do you actually need 900Mb, or is a mid-range full fibre connection all you really require?

For many homes, 900Mb broadband is less about achieving one extremely fast download speed and more about managing household capacity. It’s about how many devices your broadband service can support at the same time, how reliable your internet connection is during peak hours, and how smoothly your home runs when everyone is online at once.

This guide explains how 900Mb broadband works, when it’s genuinely useful, how it compares to other full fibre broadband packages, and how to check what broadband connection is available in your area.

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What can I do with 900Mb broadband speeds at home?

A 900Mb full fibre connection gives you access to some of the fastest available speeds in the UK’s most reliable broadband technology. While a single device will rarely achieve the full advertised speed over Wi-Fi, the real advantage comes from total household capacity.

Typical activities supported by 900Mb broadband

Activity Typical Usage Why 900Mb Helps
4K streaming 15–25Mb per stream Multiple 4K streams without buffering during peak time
Online gaming 3–6Mb, low latency needed Reduces lag and congestion during busy evenings
Remote work video calls 2–8Mb per call Avoids drop outs when multiple people are on calls
Game downloads 50–200GB Large downloads finish in minutes instead of hours
Smart devices 0.5–2Mb each Cameras, doorbells and lights no longer clog Wi-Fi
Cloud backups 10–50Mb High upload speeds prevent slow-downs elsewhere

In a home filled with laptops, smart TVs, tablets, consoles, cameras, smart speakers and mobile phones, broadband speed has an impact on almost every room.

What can I do with 900Mb broadband speeds at home

How does 900Mb broadband compare to other full fibre or gigabit options?

Full fibre broadband comes in several tiers. Here’s a simple comparison:

Package Average Speeds Best For
Standard broadband (ADSL) 10–20Mb Very light use, small households
Standard fibre broadband (FTTC) 30–70Mb Web browsing, email, moderate streaming
Superfast broadband 70–150Mb Small families, a few smart devices
Ultrafast full fibre 300–500Mb Medium families, remote work, HD streaming
900Mb full fibre 900Mb Heavy users, lots of devices, large households

The real difference comes from the technology. Standard fibre uses copper cables from the street cabinet, which slow down during busy times. Full fibre broadband uses optic cables all the way to the home, creating a more reliable connection with higher average speeds.

900Mb is near the top end of home broadband capacity, but it isn’t always essential for every household. The speed of your internet depends on the type of activity you do and the number of devices online at the same time.

Which providers offer 900Mb broadband in the UK?

Many major broadband packages now include gigabit speeds. Providers offering 900Mb or similar speeds include:

  • BT
  • Sky
  • Virgin Media
  • Plusnet
  • EE
  • Vodafone
  • TalkTalk (via full fibre networks)
  • Smaller full fibre networks such as Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, Fibrus and others

As you build your comparison, remember that while some providers only give their best router with their top-tier broadband packages, some new suppliers such as Orbus, provide the same top-quality router to every customer, regardless of the broadband package chosen. This ensures consistent performance even on lower-speed broadband deals.

Check availability in your area — your postcode will confirm the fastest speeds offered locally

How do I check if 900Mb broadband is available at my address?

900Mb full fibre broadband depends on local fibre coverage. To check full fibre availability, you can:

  • Use a fibre availability checker
  • Enter your postcode into online comparison tools
  • Look for full fibre (FTTP) or ultrafast full fibre broadband options
  • Check which networks operate in your area

If your property is served by full fibre connection right to the home, 900Mb broadband is usually available. If your home uses copper cables or older infrastructure, you may only be able to access standard fibre broadband.

Availability varies widely across the United Kingdom, but coverage has increased significantly in the last year as full fibre networks continue expanding.

Is 900Mb broadband worth it for gaming and streaming?

It can be—but only if your usage demands it.

For most gamers, low latency (low ping) matters more than pure download speeds. A stable internet connection usually has a bigger impact than headline broadband speed.

However, 900Mb makes a genuine difference if your home includes:

  • Multiple active gamers
  • Several devices streaming in 4K or HD at the same time
  • Large game downloads happening daily
  • Smart devices operating continuously in the background

For example, a 100GB game download that takes two hours on a standard fibre connection can complete in under 20 minutes on 900Mb broadband.

During busy evenings, when networks experience congestion, ultrafast broadband reduces the risk of drop outs, buffering and poor streaming quality.

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What equipment do I need for 900Mb full fibre broadband?

To make the most of 900Mb:

You will usually need:

  • A full fibre connection (FTTP)
  • A broadband router capable of ultrafast Wi-Fi
  • A wired connection (Ethernet cable) for the fastest speeds
  • Devices that support modern wireless connections (Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7)

Wi-Fi speeds are influenced by walls, distance and the number of devices connected. While Wi-Fi 6 and 7 routers are faster, no wireless connection will hit 900Mb on a single device. Wired connections can achieve close to the full speed.

Router quality matters

Providers often limit their best router to premium packages. This is where Orbus stands out—its customers receive the same high-quality router regardless of broadband speed, allowing even lower-tier broadband packages to achieve better performance during peak time.

Can multiple devices use 900Mb broadband without slowing down?

Yes. This is the main advantage of ultrafast broadband.

900Mb helps households with:

  • 5+ users online at once
  • Dozens of smart home devices
  • Heavy cloud uploads
  • Online games operating simultaneously
  • Multiple HD or 4K streams

Instead of one device dominating the entire broadband service, the extra capacity is shared evenly across connections, ensuring a smoother experience for everyone.

Broadband speed is heavily affected by the number of devices and the type of activity. 900Mb gives you more “space” during busy times.

How can I test my broadband speed to know if it’s really 900Mb?

To measure your true broadband speed:

  1. Use a wired connection via Ethernet cable
  2. Run an internet speed test on a modern laptop
  3. Test at different times of day
  4. Restart the router to ensure accurate readings
  5. Disconnect other devices to prevent interference

Wireless connections can vary due to walls, distance, microwave signals, and other wireless connections in the property, so wired testing gives the closest estimate of actual speed.

Are there any deals or introductory offers for 900Mb broadband?

Most major providers offer:

  • Introductory monthly discounts
  • Cashback or reward cards
  • Free setup or reduced installation fees
  • Prices that rise after a minimum term (often 24 months)

You can view how prices vary in your area by checking local broadband options

What is the difference between 900Mb broadband and standard fibre?

Standard fibre (FTTC)

  • Uses copper cables from the cabinet
  • Speeds usually 30–70Mb
  • Slower during peak hours
  • More prone to drop outs

900Mb full fibre (FTTP)

  • Uses optic cables directly to your home
  • Speeds up to 900Mb
  • More reliable broadband technology
  • Supports more devices simultaneously

Full fibre broadband is rapidly replacing older copper networks across the UK.

What is the difference between 900Mb broadband and standard fibre

Why 900Mb broadband is about capacity, not speed

900Mb isn’t about hitting 900Mb on any one device. It’s about:

  • More room for every device
  • Smoother performance
  • Better support during peak hours
  • More stable video calls
  • Better upload speeds
  • Fewer drop outs
  • Support for modern households with heavy digital use

You can compare options in your postcode area to understand what connection types are available

Why you might not need 900Mb broadband

You may not need 900Mb if:

  • You live alone or with one other person
  • Your usage is mostly browsing, shopping or HD streaming
  • You have fewer than 10 smart devices
  • You’re not working from home on video calls daily

In many cases, 300–500Mb full fibre gives a nearly identical experience for a lower monthly cost.

You can check the differences between broadband packages in your area

Correct as of 21 November 2025

FAQs About 900Mb Broadband (Speed, Capacity, Availability)

What can I do with 900Mb broadband that I can’t do on slower speeds?

With 900Mb full fibre broadband, your household can run multiple high-demand activities at once without slowing down. This includes several people streaming in 4K or 8K, large game downloads, cloud backups, remote work video calls and smart home devices all communicating in the background. Slower broadband speed packages, such as standard fibre broadband or superfast broadband, can struggle with this level of simultaneous use, particularly during peak hours. A 900Mb connection also allows large software updates and online games to download at near-maximum speed when using a wired connection.

How does 900Mb compare to other full fibre packages?

900Mb broadband sits at the top end of full fibre broadband options and provides significantly more capacity than 150Mb, 300Mb or 500Mb broadband packages. While all full fibre connections use optic cables for a more reliable connection, 900Mb deals offer higher download speeds and stronger performance when a large number of devices are active. If your home regularly experiences congestion with multiple video calls, online games or streaming services, the extra bandwidth can offer a noticeably smoother broadband service.

Is 900Mb broadband worth it for future-proofing my home?

Yes, 900Mb broadband is a strong future-proof option for homes that are steadily increasing their number of devices. As more households rely on cloud services, HD video calls, 4K streaming and smart devices, a faster broadband connection helps maintain performance during busy periods. Full fibre broadband is also the UK’s most reliable broadband technology, offering stability even when everyone is online at the same time. Choosing higher capacity now can reduce the need to upgrade again in a few years.

Do I need special equipment for 900Mb broadband?

To get the most out of a 900Mb broadband package, you’ll need modern equipment including a router that supports ultrafast speeds. Most providers supply a Wi-Fi 6 or Wi-Fi 7 capable router with their fastest broadband packages. For the highest speeds, a wired Ethernet cable connection is recommended, as Wi-Fi speeds vary depending on wireless connections, distance and device limitations. Your broadband service will still work with older devices, but they may not achieve the full speed.

Can multiple devices use 900Mb without slowing down?

Yes. This is one of the biggest advantages of ultrafast full fibre broadband. Even in busy homes with dozens of smart devices, tablets, TVs, phones and laptops active at the same time, 900Mb broadband gives enough capacity for each device to perform smoothly. Households with online games, streaming platforms and remote working all happening simultaneously benefit most from this increased capacity, especially at peak time.

How do I test if my connection is really 900Mb?

To accurately test 900Mb broadband, run an internet speed test using a wired connection through an Ethernet cable. Testing over Wi-Fi will rarely show the full speed due to wireless interference and the maximum Wi-Fi speed supported by the device. Try running several tests at different times of day to identify speed changes. Closing background applications, restarting the router and disconnecting unused devices can help ensure a reliable measurement.

What providers offer 900Mb in the UK?

Many major internet providers now offer 900Mb broadband packages, including BT, Plusnet, Sky, EE, Virgin Media, Vodafone and TalkTalk. Full fibre altnets such as Community Fibre, Hyperoptic, Fibrus and other regional networks also provide ultrafast full fibre broadband in selected areas. Availability will depend on your full fibre connection status, local rollout and whether your property has been upgraded from copper cables to modern optic cables.

What is the difference between 900Mb and standard fibre?

Standard fibre broadband (FTTC) uses copper cables for the final part of the connection, which limits broadband speed and can cause slowdowns during peak hours. In contrast, 900Mb full fibre broadband (FTTP) uses optic cables from the exchange directly to your home, providing faster download speeds, higher upload speeds and a more reliable broadband connection. Full fibre is less prone to drop outs and can support far more devices at a given time.

Does 900Mb broadband improve Wi-Fi performance in every room?

Indirectly, yes. While broadband speed itself does not guarantee coverage in every room, higher capacity helps prevent congestion when multiple people are online. Wi-Fi performance still depends on router quality, the shape of your home, interference and whether you use mesh Wi-Fi boosters. Some broadband packages come with premium routers designed to improve coverage. Providers may supply different routers based on the broadband package, although some ISPs give all customers the same high-spec device.

Why can’t my device reach 900Mb even though my broadband package is 900Mb?

Most devices cannot reach 900Mb over Wi-Fi because wireless connections have physical limits, especially in older phones or laptops. Wi-Fi 5, for example, cannot achieve full gigabit speeds. To reach the closest possible speed, you need a wired Ethernet cable, a modern device and minimal interference. The actual speed will also depend on how many devices are connected at a given time and the type of activity they are performing.

Is 900Mb broadband truly unlimited or are there usage caps?

Most 900Mb broadband packages in the UK are truly unlimited, meaning there are no data caps or fair usage limits for standard home use. Some providers monitor unusual activity or potential software vulnerabilities for security, but typical households will not face restrictions. Always check the minimum term and full contract details to understand how usage is handled by your broadband provider.

Is 900Mb broadband helpful for home offices or remote work?

Yes. Remote work often involves video calls, large file transfers, cloud storage services and remote desktop tools. 900Mb broadband provides enough bandwidth for these activities even when other people in the home are streaming or gaming. Higher upload speeds also help avoid freezing or drop outs during important meetings. For homes with multiple remote workers, the extra capacity is especially beneficial.

Does 900Mb broadband reduce buffering and lag?

Generally, yes. Full fibre broadband offers lower latency, faster upload speeds and more consistent performance than copper-based broadband connections. While no broadband can completely eliminate occasional issues caused by online services or software, 900Mb makes it far less likely that peak-time congestion, multiple devices or background tasks will affect your streaming or gaming experience.

Is 900Mb broadband fibre to the premises (FTTP)?

Yes. 900Mb broadband is delivered via fibre to the premises (FTTP), meaning optic cables run directly into your home. This is different from standard fibre broadband, which uses fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) and then copper cables for the final connection. FTTP is currently the UK’s most reliable broadband technology and supports the fastest available speeds.

Can 900Mb broadband help smart home devices run better?

Yes. Smart home devices such as lights, thermostats, cameras, speakers and security systems rely on constant data flows. While each device uses only a small amount of bandwidth, the total number of devices in a modern home can place demands on your broadband connection. A higher-capacity full fibre plan reduces the risk of bottlenecks and ensures each device stays connected without affecting streaming or video calls.

How many people can use 900Mb broadband at once?

Most households will never reach the limits of a 900Mb connection. In practical terms, 10–20 devices can be active simultaneously without noticeable slowdowns, and many full fibre households have far more than this when counting phones, TVs, tablets, smart speakers and IoT devices. Because the broadband speed is so high, even large families can enjoy smooth usage during the busiest periods of the day.

Does 900Mb improve upload speeds as well as download speeds?

Yes. Although upload speeds vary by provider, full fibre broadband typically delivers much higher upload speeds than standard fibre, which relies on copper cables. Faster uploads make cloud backups, video calls, online gaming and file-sharing noticeably quicker and more stable. Upload performance is especially valuable for remote workers, content creators and households using several cloud-based apps at once.

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