Fibre broadband is a high-speed internet connection that uses fibre optic cables to transfer data. Fibre broadband is faster and more reliable than traditional broadband which relies on copper cables.

There are two main types of fibre broadband:

1. Part fibre. Also known as FTTC broadband (Fibre to the Cabinet). Part fibre uses fibre optic cables for part of the journey, delivering data to a street cabinet close to your premises. From there, copper wires complete the connection to your premises.

2. Full fibre. Also known as FTTP broadband (Fibre to the Premises). Full fibre connects directly to your premises using fibre optic cables. Full fibre broadband provides superior speeds and reliability than part fibre.

Full fibre (FTTP) broadband can offer speeds of over 900Mbps (megabits per second). Unlike part fibre broadband, speeds are not affected by your premises’ distance from the exchange box. It is ideal for heavy internet usage and businesses needing consistent high performance.

While part fibre (FTTC) broadband is slower than full fibre, it is still much faster and more dependable than traditional broadband. Typically, you can get speeds of up to around 70Mbps.

Fibre optic cables are made of thin glass strands that transmit data as light signals. This method allows data to travel longer distances at high speeds with minimal signal loss. This is an impressive improvement over copper cables, which rely on electric signals.

Full fibre broadband offers speeds that can reach over 900Mbps.

To put that in perspective, downloading a 250MB (megabyte) 4K video could take just two seconds. It’s ideal for businesses managing large amounts of data, multiple users, and many connected devices.

For details on speeds and the right package for you, check out our business broadband deals.

Openreach continues to expand its full fibre network across the UK. Today, over half of UK homes can access full fibre broadband. New areas are being added all the time.

Can I get fibre broadband in my area?

Fibre broadband availability depends on your location. Simply enter your postcode on our business broadband deals page to check what’s available at your premises.

Is fibre broadband more reliable?

Yes, fibre broadband is usually more reliable than traditional copper-based internet connections.

Copper cables are more susceptible to signal degradation over distance. Meaning the farther you are from the cabinet, the slower and less stable your connection may be. They can also be affected by environmental factors like electrical interference and weather conditions.

Full fibre broadband is also designed to have a higher bandwidth. It can support faster speeds and multiple users without compromising performance.

Can I still get full fibre broadband after the PSTN switch off?

Yes, you can still get full fibre broadband after the switch-off of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN).

By 2027, the traditional, analogue telephone network will be replaced by a digital network. As fibre broadband does not rely on a phone line, the PSTN switch off will not stop you from getting fibre broadband.

Do I need a business phone line?

No, for fibre business broadband you do not need a business phone line. We offer digital phone lines along with BT business broadband.

If you choose to have a digital phone line, you can keep your business’s existing phone number. You can also use your business number on the go on your mobile phone.

Is full fibre broadband more expensive?

Full fibre broadband can be more expensive than part fibre or copper broadband options. However, you are more likely to get higher internet speeds and better reliability.

How long does fibre broadband take to install?

For BT business broadband, it usually takes around 14 working days to activate.

If you need faster setup, you can add Hybrid Backup to your order. This connects you to EE’s 4G network while waiting for installation, sometimes as soon as the next day.