BT Fibre 1 Broadband Packages Explained (2026)

Written by Shay Ramani
Reviewed by Ankit Sureja
9 min read
Updated: 29 Jul 2026
Broadband Packages
BT Fibre 1 Broadband Packages Explained (2026)

BT Fibre 1 broadband packages give you an average download speed of 50Mbps on a 24-month contract, priced from £24.99 a month for the first two years with £0 upfront in most current deals. It sits between BT’s Fibre Essential (36Mbps) and Fibre 2 (67Mbps) as an entry-level superfast option for smaller households.

Fibre 1 is delivered over Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC), not full fibre, which is why its speed is modest compared with BT’s Full Fibre tiers. For a couple, a single person or a light-use household, 50Mbps is enough for streaming, video calls and everyday browsing. This guide sets out what you get, what it costs, how the mid-contract price rise works, and when it makes more sense to pay a little more for full fibre.

Quick Answer

  • BT Fibre 1 delivers 50Mbps average download and around 9Mbps upload over FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet), not full fibre.
  • Current price is from £24.99/month for 24 months, £0 upfront, rising to roughly £29 to £38/month from month 25 depending on the deal.
  • A £49.99 connection charge can apply if your line needs work; most standard reconnections are £0.
  • Full fibre now reaches 82% of UK homes (24.9 million premises), per Ofcom’s Connected Nations update, January 2026 data, so many addresses can get a faster BT Full Fibre tier for a similar price.
  • BT Home Essentials social tariffs start at 36Mbps for £15/month for eligible households on qualifying benefits.

Last updated: July 2026

Written by the Free Price Compare editorial team | Reviewed July 2026

Content in this article

What is BT Fibre 1 broadband?

BT Fibre 1 is an entry-level superfast broadband package with an average download speed of 50Mbps and an average upload speed of around 9Mbps. It uses Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) technology, with fibre running to the street cabinet before the final connection to your home is made using the existing copper phone line. Because the last part of the connection uses copper, speeds are lower than on full-fibre services. The package typically includes the BT Smart Hub 2, BT Virus Protect security software and BT’s Stay Fast Guarantee, which guarantees a minimum download speed for your line or lets you leave your contract if BT can’t resolve persistent speed issues. Fibre 1 is best suited to one or two people who mainly browse the web, stream in HD and make video calls, rather than larger households using multiple 4K streams and bandwidth-intensive applications at the same time.

Because Fibre 1 relies on copper for the last part of the connection, the real speed you get can drop with distance from the cabinet. The 50Mbps figure is an average across customers, and Ofcom requires providers to give you a personalised speed estimate at the point of sale so you know what to expect at your address.

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How much do BT Fibre 1 broadband packages cost per month?

How much does BT Fibre 1 cost per month?
BT Fibre 1 costs from £24.99 a month for the first 24 months on a 24-month contract, with £0 upfront on most current online deals. After the minimum term ends, the monthly price increases to BT’s standard Fibre 1 price, which is currently £32.99 a month for this offer. BT also offers a 12-month Fibre 1 contract at £39.99 a month with a £41.99 upfront fee. If an engineer visit is needed to make your line compatible, a £49.99 connection charge may apply, although most standard reconnections are free.

The £24.99 headline is one of the lowest entry points for superfast fibre, sitting alongside Fibre Essential (36Mbps) at the same price. For the extra speed, Fibre 1 is often the better pick if both are offered at £24.99 at your address. Free Price Compare checks live broadband deals across UK providers so you can see whether Fibre 1 is the cheapest 50Mbps option where you live, or whether a full fibre tier undercuts it.

BT tier Average speed Price (months 1-24) Contract
Fibre Essential 36Mbps From £24.99 24 months
Fibre 1 50Mbps From £24.99 24 months
Fibre 2 67Mbps From around £25.99 24 months
Full Fibre 100/150 100-150Mbps From around £28.99 24 months

Figures are indicative and may change.

Compare live broadband deals near you

Is 50Mbps enough for my household?

A 50Mbps connection is enough for one or two people streaming in HD, making video calls, gaming casually and browsing at the same time. As a rough guide, a single 4K stream needs about 25Mbps, HD streaming needs around 5Mbps per device, and video calls use 2-3Mbps each. So a couple can comfortably run a 4K TV stream, a laptop on a work call and a phone browsing on Fibre 1 without buffering. Where 50Mbps starts to feel tight is a busy family home with several 4K streams, frequent large downloads, or someone who uploads big files, since the 9Mbps upload is modest.

The main limitation on Fibre 1 is upload, not download. If you regularly back up photos to the cloud, upload video, or several people video-call at once, the 9Mbps upload can bottleneck. Full fibre tiers offer far higher, symmetric-style uploads, which is worth paying for if you work from home heavily. For most light-to-moderate households, though, 50Mbps handles daily use well.

Fibre 1 vs Fibre 2: which should you choose?

Fibre 2 is the better choice over Fibre 1 if the price gap is small and more than two people use the connection at once, because Fibre 2 delivers 67Mbps download versus 50Mbps and a faster upload. Fibre 1 (50Mbps) suits one or two light users who want the lowest monthly cost; Fibre 2 (67Mbps) suits a busier household with a few extra devices. Both are FTTC, so both depend on your distance from the street cabinet and neither reaches full fibre speeds.

The practical test is simple: if Fibre 2 costs only a pound or two more a month at your address, it is usually worth taking for the headroom. If the gap is larger, or you only browse and stream on one or two devices, Fibre 1 saves you money without a noticeable drop in everyday performance. Before deciding, check whether a BT Full Fibre tier is available, because full fibre is often priced close to Fibre 2 and gives a large speed and reliability improvement.

Feature Fibre 1 Fibre 2
Download speed 50Mbps average 67Mbps average
Upload speed Around 9Mbps Around 18-20Mbps
Technology FTTC FTTC
Best for 1-2 light users Small to medium household

Figures are indicative and may change.

Fibre 1 vs Fibre 2: which should you choose

Not sure which speed you need?

Check what full fibre tiers reach your postcode before you commit to FTTC.

Compare full fibre deals

Will the price go up mid-contract?

The BT Fibre 1 price does change during and after your contract in two ways: an in-contract annual adjustment, and a larger step-up when your discount period ends. Since 2025, new Ofcom rules require broadband providers to show any mid-contract price rise as a clear pounds-and-pence figure at the point of sale, rather than a percentage linked to inflation, according to Ofcom. That means BT must tell you the exact monthly increase before you sign.

The bigger jump comes when your 24-month promotional price ends. On current Fibre 1 deals the price steps up from £24.99 to a standard rate reported between around £29 and £38 a month from month 25. To avoid paying the higher out-of-contract rate, note your contract end date and either renegotiate with BT or switch. Under Ofcom’s One Touch Switch scheme, over 2 million customers changed broadband or landline provider between its September 2024 launch and the end of 2025, and the process is handled by your new provider so you avoid a coverage gap.

See if you could pay less by switching

What is included in a BT Fibre 1 package?

A BT Fibre 1 package includes the BT Smart Hub 2 router, BT Virus Protect internet security, and a Stay Fast Guarantee that sets a minimum speed you should receive. The Smart Hub 2 is BT’s dual-band router with multiple antennas for wider home coverage, and BT Virus Protect provides antivirus and malware protection for connected devices. The Stay Fast Guarantee means if your speed drops below a set minimum for the connection type and BT cannot fix it, you can leave without an exit fee.

  • BT Smart Hub 2 router, included at no extra cost on most deals.
  • BT Virus Protect security software for your devices.
  • Stay Fast Guarantee with a minimum speed promise.
  • Unlimited monthly usage with no download cap.
  • Optional add-ons such as Complete Wi-Fi discs for whole-home coverage.

You can add BT TV, calls packages or mobile SIMs to a Fibre 1 broadband base, though these are separate line items on your bill. If you want a fuller entertainment bundle instead of a broadband-only deal, it is worth comparing broadband and TV packages side by side before committing.

Is BT Fibre 1 available at my address?

BT Fibre 1 availability depends on whether your local street cabinet has been upgraded for FTTC, which covers the vast majority of UK addresses. You can check availability by entering your postcode on BT’s site or through a broadband comparison, and you will get a personalised speed estimate for your line at the same time. Because Fibre 1 uses copper for the final stretch, your estimated speed can be lower than the 50Mbps average if your home is a long way from the cabinet.

Many addresses that once only had FTTC now also have full fibre. Full fibre reached 82% of UK homes, or 24.9 million premises, per Ofcom’s Connected Nations update using January 2026 data, and gigabit-capable broadband reached 89% of residential premises. So before choosing Fibre 1, check whether a BT Full Fibre tier such as BT Full Fibre 500 or BT Full Fibre 900 is offered at your address, as it often costs only a little more for a large speed increase.

BT Home Essentials: the cheaper social tariff alternative

BT Home Essentials is BT’s social tariff for eligible households, offering 36Mbps for £15 a month or 67Mbps for £20 a month. Social tariffs are discounted broadband packages for people receiving Universal Credit, Pension Credit and certain other qualifying benefits, and you can switch to or from one without paying early exit fees. If you’re eligible, BT Home Essentials can cost substantially less than a standard BT Fibre 1 package while offering a broadband service that may be just as suitable for your household.

Around 532,000 UK households were using a broadband social tariff in June 2025, according to Ofcom, although take-up remained well below the number of eligible households. If you or someone in your home receives a qualifying benefit, it’s worth checking whether you qualify for a social tariff before ordering Fibre 1, as you may be able to pay significantly less for a broadband service that meets your needs.

Explore broadband options for your budget

Is BT broadband reliable?

BT broadband runs over the Openreach network, which serves most UK homes and is generally regarded as reliable for both FTTC and full fibre connections. Reliability on Fibre 1 depends partly on the copper line to your home: older or longer lines can be more prone to drop-outs and slower speeds than full fibre. BT’s Stay Fast Guarantee gives you a route to compensation or a penalty-free exit if speeds fall below the minimum and cannot be fixed.

For the most consistent performance, full fibre removes the copper bottleneck entirely and tends to be more stable, which is one reason many households upgrade when it becomes available. If your priority is dependable everyday use for one or two people, Fibre 1 is a solid, low-cost choice, but keep the upgrade path in mind for when your household’s needs grow.

Is BT broadband reliable

FAQs about bt fibre 1 broadband packages

How fast is BT Fibre 1 and is 50Mbps enough for me?

BT Fibre 1 delivers an average download speed of 50Mbps and an upload of around 9Mbps. That is enough for one or two people to stream in HD or 4K, make video calls and browse at the same time. It starts to feel tight only in busy households running several 4K streams or uploading large files regularly.

How much does BT Fibre 1 cost per month?

BT Fibre 1 is typically available on a 24-month contract, with promotional prices varying depending on your postcode and the offers available when you sign up. Most online deals include £0 upfront. During your contract, BT applies its fixed annual price increase, and if you don’t recontract when your minimum term ends, your monthly price can increase by up to £8, depending on your package. BT also occasionally offers 12-month contracts, usually at a higher monthly price and sometimes with an upfront charge.

Will my BT Fibre 1 price go up during the contract?

Yes, BT applies an annual in-contract adjustment, which under Ofcom rules must be shown as a clear pounds-and-pence figure before you sign. The larger increase comes when your 24-month discount ends and the price steps up to the standard rate. Note your contract end date so you can renegotiate or switch before paying the higher rate.

Should I choose Fibre 1 or Fibre 2?

Choose Fibre 2 if more than two people use the connection at once, as it gives 67Mbps download and a faster upload than Fibre 1’s 50Mbps, often for only a small extra monthly cost. Choose Fibre 1 if you want the lowest price and only one or two people mainly browse and stream. If full fibre is available, compare that too before deciding.

Is BT Fibre 1 full fibre?

No, BT Fibre 1 is Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC), not full fibre. Fibre runs to your local street cabinet, then the existing copper phone line carries the connection the rest of the way to your home. This is why Fibre 1 speeds are lower than BT’s Full Fibre tiers, which run fibre directly to the property.

What is included with BT Fibre 1?

BT Fibre 1 includes the BT Smart Hub 2 router, BT Virus Protect security software, unlimited usage with no download cap, and a Stay Fast Guarantee that sets a minimum speed. You can add BT TV, calls packages, mobile SIMs or whole-home Wi-Fi discs, though these appear as separate charges on your bill.

What is the upload speed on BT Fibre 1?

BT Fibre 1 has an upload speed of around 9Mbps. This is fine for everyday tasks like sending emails and joining video calls, but it can be a bottleneck if you frequently upload large files, back up photos and video to the cloud, or have several people video-calling at once. Full fibre tiers offer much higher upload speeds.

Can I get a cheaper BT broadband deal if I’m on benefits?

Yes. BT Home Essentials is a social tariff for households on qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit or Pension Credit, starting at 36Mbps for £15 a month, with a 67Mbps tier at £20. If you are eligible it is cheaper than a standard Fibre 1 deal and you can switch to or from it without exit fees.

Is a £49.99 connection charge always applied to BT Fibre 1?

No, the £49.99 connection charge only applies if your line needs an engineer visit or work to make it compatible. Most standard reconnections have no setup fee, and current BT Fibre 1 offers typically come with £0 upfront. Always check the charges shown at checkout for your specific address before placing your order, as installation requirements can vary.

How do I switch away from BT Fibre 1 without a gap in service?

Under Ofcom’s One Touch Switch scheme, you arrange the move with your new provider, who coordinates the switch and the cancellation of your old service to avoid a coverage gap. Over 2 million customers used One Touch Switch between its September 2024 launch and the end of 2025. Switch after your contract ends to avoid early exit fees.

Is BT Fibre 1 reliable?

BT Fibre 1 runs over the Openreach network and is generally reliable for everyday use, though its performance depends partly on the condition and length of the copper line to your home. Older or longer lines can be more prone to slower speeds and occasional drop-outs than full fibre. The Stay Fast Guarantee lets you leave without penalty if speeds fall below the minimum and cannot be fixed.

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Information correct as of 20 July 2026. Prices, tariffs, policy details and providers change frequently, so please check the latest details before making a decision. This article is for general information only and does not constitute financial advice. Free Price Compare is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

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