Fibre Optic Broadband
With more internet users are looking for faster and reliable connectivity, fibre optic broadband is set to become a popular option in the future.
The UK has more than 90% telephone copper networks which deliver ADSL/ADSL 2+ broadband to homes and businesses with speeds varying between 2Mbps and 24Mbps.
However, nearly two in ten houses receive connection speeds of less than 2Mbps over the existing copper lines, according to the latest Ofcom report.
Slow broadband continues to be a frustration for homes and businesses in many rural areas across the UK. Surveys also show that many users in urban areas are also disappointed with the real world speeds.
Fibre optic broadband is now viewed as the best solution to tackle many broadband issues faced in both rural and urban areas.
Fibre Optic Broadband Vs ADSL Broadband
Broadband network capacity and speeds of copper networks (ADSL) generally degrade with the distance between users and the exchange, however, this is not an issue with fibre optic broadband.
Fibre optic broadband can offer ten times faster download speeds,irrespective of the distance from the exchange. You can expect speeds from 30Mbps up to 100Mbps via fibre based broadband connection.
How Fibre Optic broadband works?
Fibre-optic cables,using very thin glass or plastic material, enable the fastest ever connection speeds (equal to the speed of light) over your broadband line.
The maximum speeds can vary depending on the fibre optic broadband technology used.
Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) broadband which reaches the street cabinet via fibre cables and then users’ premises via copper wires can offer download speeds around 40Mbps.
Fibre to the Home / Premise (FTTH or FTTP) broadband will use fibre for the entire installation of the line, right from the exchange up to the users’premises. This type of connections can offer speeds 100Mbps or above.
By 2020, all exchanges in the UK are expected to be upgraded to fibre optic broadband. Urban areas can expect all major broadband providers offering their superfast services by 2017.
Fibre Optic Broadband Providers
When it comes to fibre optic broadband, BT and Virgin Media are the only compeititors.
The largest telecom provider BT is investing £2.5 billion on its fibre based network (FTTC) to connect more than two thirds of UK population by 2015.
Currently, BT Retail (BT Total broadband) offers its 40Mbps Infinity broadband to homes and business users.
PlusNet, a subsidiary of BT Group, Eclipse Internet and TalkTalk also offer super-fast, fibre optic broadband services to their customers.
Cable broadband provider Virgin Media currently offers 50Mbps broadband while continuing to upgrade its network to 100Mbps speeds in many areas across the UK.
Fibre broadband Availability
Currently, you cannot get fibre optic broadband in all places. You will need to check which providers have enabled their superfast services in your area.
- Check BT Infinity fibre broadband in your area
- Check PlusNet Fibre Broadband Coverage
- TalkTalk Fibre Broadband Checker
- Check Virgin Media Broadband Coverage
We have a dedicated page for comparing fibre optic broadband packages. Just choose the deal and go to provider site where you will need to enter your postcode or telephone number to get the availability details.
Fibre Broadband Routers
With super-fast broadband subscriptions, providers also offer the latest wireless routers free of cost.
BT’s new BT Home Hub 3 wireless router ensures that your wireless connection is fast and free from wireless interferences and wi-fi security risks. This wireless N router is quite easy to setup.
Virgin Media fibre optic cable broadband customers can get its Super Hub wireless N router free when they sign-up to its 30Mbps, 50Mbps or 100Mbps broadband packages.
Virgin Media Suber Hub wireless router is designed to provide speeds of 100Mbps, improved coverage and wider wi-fi range in homes and businesses. Other nice features include better wireless security, low power consumption, availaibility of multiple connections (4 wired and wireless) etc.
