How Does Fibre Broadband Work?

Fibre broadband is one of the best and fastest ways to get onto the internet. This type of broadband gives you high download speeds. You will feel this when you stream movies, work or do meetings from home, play online games, or scroll through social media. It gives a better all-around experience than older ways of getting online.

But what is different about fibre broadband and how does it work? The main thing that sets it apart from older choices like copper cables is the way it sends data. Let’s take a quick look at how fibre broadband is not like these old connections.

What Is Fibre Broadband?

Fibre broadband is a kind of broadband internet that uses fibre optic cables. These cables do not use old copper wires. They are made of thin glass or plastic. The cables send data using light signals. Light moves faster and goes further than electrical signals. This helps fibre broadband give people faster internet speeds. It also makes the internet service more steady and reliable. A lot of people use this type of broadband to get good speed and a better internet experience.

There are different types of broadband you can get in the UK. Fibre is just one of these types of broadband. But fibre is the most up-to-date. It is the best choice for the future.

What Makes Fibre Broadband Better Than Copper Cables?

Copper cables were first used for telephone lines. They move electrical signals that get weaker as they go farther and can have more problems with things like noise. Now, broadband often uses fibre cables. These cables use light pulses to send data.

• Faster speeds: Fibre can acheive speeds up to 1 Gbps or more. This helps when you use streaming, gaming, or video calls.
• More reliable: This kind of internet is less affected by things like the weather, distance, or interference. You get a better experience with fibre.
• Better performance: You will feel the internet be smooth and steady for streaming, gaming, and video calls.
• Future-ready: Fibre internet can handle more of the devices you have at home in the UK. As UK homes get new internet gadgets, fibre is ready for them.

Fibre cables are much thinner and lighter than copper wires. Because of this, they are easier to put in at some places.

What Are the Different Types of Fibre Broadband?

Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC)

This is the type most people use. The fibre optic cable comes from the broadband provider’s exchange and goes to a green box on the street. After that, copper cables take the broadband into your home. You will need to have a home phone line for this.

• Speed: You can get about 30 to 70 Mbps.
• This is a good choice for things you do every day, like browsing, streaming, and social media.
• It is not full fibre, but it does work better than ADSL.

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP)

Full fibre, also called full fibre broadband, uses a fibre cable that goes right to your home. There is no copper between your home and the connection. This is the UK’s most reliable broadband technology.

• The speed can be up to 1 Gbps or even more.
• You do not need a phone line for this.
• This is good for heavy users. It works well for online gaming, streaming in 4K, and busy homes.
• It is the best value you can get if it is in your postcode area.

Fibre to the Node (FTTN)

In the UK, this is not used as much. Here, fibre cables go to a shared network point that can be far from your home. After that, copper cables are used to connect the network point to your home.

• The speed is slower than FTTC.
• It may not be good for homes that use a lot of the internet.
• You will still need to have a phone line.

How Does Fibre Broadband Get to My House?

The UK broadband network has many different parts. For fibre broadband, internet companies like BT Openreach and Virgin Media build and look after the fibre network. These providers help people get fast internet throughout the UK.

• FTTC: Fibre connects up to the street cabinet, and then copper takes it the rest of the way to your home.
• FTTP: Fibre goes straight to your home, with no copper used.

The installation can need you to connect a fibre cable from the cabinet on your street or from the main line to a new socket inside your house. An engineer may have to do this job, especially when it is for full fibre.

How Fast Is Fibre Broadband?

The download speeds you get can change based on the type of fibre broadband you have. Where you live, which provider you use, and your broadband plan matter too. Here are some average download speeds:

Actual speeds may vary due to:

• The speed can change based on the time of day. If you use the internet at peak time, it can be slower.
• The router and modem you use matter, too. Make sure your equipment is good.
• Using Wi-Fi or Ethernet can also make a difference. A wired connection is usually faster than Wi-Fi.

Is Fibre Broadband Available Everywhere in the UK?

Not yet. A lot of cities and towns now have full fibre. But in some rural or out-of-the-way places, people still use copper lines or slower broadband packages. You can use a fibre availability checker to see if your postcode can get full fibre broadband.

The UK government wants 85% of homes to have full fibre broadband by 2025. Companies in the UK are now working to upgrade their broadband and fibre networks all over the country.

What Are the Benefits of Fibre Broadband?

Here are some reasons to use fibre broadband:

• You get faster downloads and uploads.
• The connection stays steady for video calls and streaming.
• You can use many devices at the same time.
• It works well for smart home gadgets.
• It is a good choice for business broadband or if you work from home.
• The customer service from top broadband companies is better now.

How Do I Know If I Have Fibre Broadband?

Check what broadband plan your broadband provider gave you or do a broadband speed test. If your download speeds are less than 30 Mbps, you might have ADSL copper broadband or be on a slower plan.

Grab the cheapest Broadband & Phone Deals

Make savings up to 44% & keep the operational cost lower!!!

Compare Now

Do I Need Fibre Broadband for Streaming and Gaming?

Yes, fibre broadband is best for activities like:

• Online gaming is better with low ping and fast response. This helps you have a good time while playing your games.
• Netflix or 4K video streaming will not buffer. You get smooth streaming every time you watch a movie or show.
• Uploading large files to social media or cloud storage is quick. Your files get sent without long wait times.
• Video conferencing on Zoom, Teams, and other apps works well. You can see and hear people clearly.

Even the busiest homes can have smooth internet with fibre broadband. You will get fast speeds and good performance, even when you have a lot of people online at the same time. With fibre broadband, it is easy to use the internet for work, school, or fun.

What If I Have a Slow Connection?

If your broadband connection is slow, you can try these things:

• Run a speed test to see your actual speeds.
• Move the router to a better spot in your home.
• Use a wired (Ethernet) connection and not Wi-Fi.
• Upgrade to a faster broadband deal if you need more speed.

Your current broadband provider should help you. If they do not, you can switch to a new one. It is easy to compare broadband deals online and pick the one that fits your needs best.

What Should I Look for in a Fibre Broadband Deal?

Before switching, compare:

• Download speeds
• Upload speeds
• Contract length (12-month, 18-month, or 24-month)
• Monthly cost and if there will be any price increases
• Extra cost for equipment or for getting it installed
• Bundles that might include tv service, home phone, or streaming services
• Wifi guarantee and the coverage you get

Can I Switch to Fibre Easily?

Yes. Thanks to the one touch switch process, it is easy to change providers.

1. Pick the new fibre broadband provider that you want.
2. Type in your postcode to see if broadband is available in your area.
3. Find the deal that is good for you and sign up.
4. Your broadband provider will take care of moving you over.

You will not need to call your old provider. Your new broadband connection should be up and running in about 10 days. There is usually only a few minutes when the broadband will be down.

Does Fibre Broadband Cost More?

Fibre packages come in different price ranges. Entry-level fibre is often not too expensive. Full fibre (FTTP) costs more than that, but many people feel the fast speed and steady connection are worth it.

Ask about special broadband deals if you get Universal Credit or other help. Some providers, like Virgin Media and BT, have low-cost broadband packages. These are for people who want to save money. The deals be helpful if you are trying to cut costs and still need the internet. Always check with your provider to see what options are there for you.

Correct as of 18 June 2025

FAQs About Fibre Broadband