The short answer: full fibre (FTTP) means a fibre optic cable runs all the way from your local exchange into your home. It is faster, more reliable and handles uploads much better than standard fibre (FTTC). If it is available at your address, it is almost always worth getting, and prices have fallen to the point where it often costs only a few pounds more per month than FTTC.
What is full fibre?
Full fibre to the premises (FTTP) is a broadband connection where fibre optic cable runs continuously from your local exchange all the way into your home. The fibre terminates at a small box called an Optical Network Terminal (ONT), which is usually installed on an inside wall near where the cable enters the property.
You plug your router into the ONT, and that is your broadband connection. No copper phone line is involved at any point.
How is it different from standard fibre?
Most broadband sold as "fibre" in the UK is actually FTTC (fibre to the cabinet). With FTTC, the fibre optic cable runs from the exchange to a green street cabinet, typically 50 to 300 metres from your home. From the cabinet to your front door, the connection runs over the old copper phone network. That copper stretch limits your speed and reliability.
| FTTC (standard fibre) | FTTP (full fibre) | |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre runs to | Street cabinet | Your home |
| Final stretch | Copper phone line | Fibre optic |
| Typical download | 35–80 Mbps | 100 Mbps – 1 Gbps |
| Typical upload | 10–20 Mbps | 50–500 Mbps |
| Speed affected by distance? | Yes — further from cabinet is slower | No |
| UK coverage | 97% | 70%+ (growing) |
Why does the copper stretch matter?
Copper degrades signal over distance. The further your home is from the street cabinet, the slower your FTTC broadband will be. If you are 50 metres from the cabinet, you might get 70–80 Mbps. If you are 300 metres away, you might get 30–40 Mbps. Full fibre does not have this problem because there is no copper involved: your speed is the same whether you are next door to the exchange or a mile away.
Copper is also more susceptible to interference (from other cables, rain ingress, old wiring) and degrades over time. Fibre optic is immune to electrical interference and is much more stable.
What speeds can you get on full fibre?
Full fibre deals in the UK typically offer:
- 100–150 Mbps (entry-level full fibre)
- 300–500 Mbps (mid-tier)
- 900 Mbps – 1 Gbps (gigabit, the top tier from most providers)
For most homes, 150–300 Mbps is more than sufficient. Gigabit is excellent but unnecessary for typical household usage — see our guide on what broadband speed you need.
How is full fibre installed?
Installation requires an engineer visit. The process typically takes 2 to 4 hours and involves:
- Running a fibre cable from the street to the outside of your property (usually through a small hole drilled in the wall or via an existing duct).
- Installing the ONT inside — a small white box on the wall.
- Setting up and testing your router.
You need to be home for the installation. Most providers give you a half-day window. The engineer will ask where you want the ONT positioned — a central location is sensible if you are relying on Wi-Fi rather than wired ethernet.
Do I need a new router?
Yes, in most cases. Full fibre uses a different connection type to FTTC. Your new provider will send you a compatible router when you sign up. If you want to use your own router, check that it has a WAN port that accepts the provider's ONT connection type, and that the WAN port supports at least 1 Gbps throughput if you are on a gigabit plan.
Is full fibre available at my address?
Coverage is now above 70% of UK premises and is expanding rapidly. The main providers building full fibre networks are BT (Openreach), Virgin Media, Vodafone, EE, and a growing number of alternative network providers (altnets) including CityFibre, Hyperoptic, Gigaclear and Toob.
Whether it is available at your specific address depends on which networks have reached your street. Enter your postcode on this site to check.
Is it worth switching to full fibre?
For most people, yes. The price gap between FTTC and entry-level FTTP has narrowed to £2–5 per month in most areas. For that small premium you get faster speeds, better upload, and a more reliable connection that does not depend on ageing copper wiring. The main reason not to switch is if full fibre is not yet available at your address, or if you are mid-contract and the early exit fee is not worth it.
Frequently asked questions
Will full fibre work without a phone line?
Yes. Full fibre does not use the copper phone network at all. If you want a landline phone number, providers offer voice over IP (VoIP) calls over the fibre connection. You do not need to pay line rental separately.
What happens to my existing broadband when I switch to full fibre?
Your old service is cancelled as part of the switch process. Under One Touch Switching, your new provider arranges this. You should not lose service — the engineer visit is timed to install full fibre and get you online before the old connection is deactivated.
Can I get full fibre in a rented property or flat?
Yes, but you may need your landlord's permission for the installation work. Landlords generally cannot unreasonably withhold permission for broadband installation. In a flat, the building's communal infrastructure may already have fibre running to the building (FTTB), making installation simpler.
What is FTTB?
Fibre to the building (FTTB) means fibre runs to the building but the connection to individual flats uses copper internal wiring. It is faster than FTTC but not as fast or reliable as full FTTP. Some older apartment buildings use FTTB where full FTTP is not yet installed.