Full Fibre Broadband – what you need to know.
Full-fibre broadband continues to expand rapidly across the UK, transforming the connectivity landscape for both homes and businesses. According to the latest data, 78 per cent of UK premises now have access to gigabit-capable broadband. This surge in availability underscores an ongoing infrastructure revolution, driven by sustained investment and demand for high-speed, reliable internet.
Ofcom’s most recent network coverage report confirms that full-fibre broadband is being rolled out at a remarkable pace. By July 2024, 69 per cent of UK residential premises, or more than 20.7 million homes, could access a full-fibre network. Even in rural areas, where deployment has historically lagged, over half of households now have access to full fibre. www.ofcom.org.uk This growth reflects not only the progress of large providers like Openreach but also the contributions of smaller “altnet” operators, who are helping to close the digital divide in underserved regions.
The momentum behind this rollout is not limited to residential premises. Small and medium-sized enterprises are benefiting too: as of mid-2024, 63 per cent of SMEs in the UK could access full-fibre networks, providing them with the capacity to handle data-intensive tasks and future-proof their operations.
Despite this rapid expansion, full-fibre adoption is not uniform. According to Ofcom and related industry analyses, while availability has grown substantially, take-up remains modest in some geographies. In fact, according to Ofcom’s Connected Nations report, residential take-up of full-fibre services has risen to just 28 per cent of the premises where it is available. That means many premises that are able to benefit from the fastest broadband are not yet fully leveraging it.
This gap between availability and adoption highlights both the opportunity and the challenge: widespread deployment alone is not enough. Users, especially businesses need to be aware of the options available to them and actively choose the right packages to make the most of what full fibre offers. Ultra-fast connectivity can unlock productivity gains, enhance remote working, and support demanding digital applications, but only if the right plan is chosen.
Active Digital can make a real Difference
We specialise in helping customers identify and secure the fastest broadband packages available for their business. Whether a company is looking for Full Fibre, gigabit-capable networks, or dedicated high-speed services, our experts guide you through the options, finding the best match for your location, usage needs, and growth plans.
Switching your broadband provider can seem daunting, especially if you’re already under contract. To ease that transition, Active Digital offers up to £250 credit when you switch from another provider. This credit is designed to offset any early termination fees you may incur. The maximum credit applies to higher-speed plans such as Full Fibre and above, ensuring that making the move to ultrafast connectivity is both financially attractive and technically rewarding. Please chat to our digital team on our contact page. Our consultants are impartial and ready to help your business today.
The state of UK broadband infrastructure today is promising. Industry bodies estimate that full-fibre coverage could reach as high as 96 per cent of premises by 2027, assuming deployment plans stay on course. This projection underlines how near we might be to a truly nationwide rollout of full-fibre infrastructure. Meanwhile, the growth of gigabit-capable networks combining full fibre and high-capacity cable technologies, continues apace, helping to push digital connectivity into even the most remote corners of the country.
As access expands, more businesses are realising that now is the time to act. Those who switch early are best positioned to benefit from the reliability and speed that full fibre offers, positioning themselves ahead of competitors in an increasingly digital economy. Active Digital can be your partner in that transition. Our role is to demystify the market, simplify the decision-making process, and deliver real value by aligning your business with the optimal broadband solution.
In conclusion, full-fibre broadband has made huge strides across the UK, reaching more than three quarters of premises with gigabit-capable options. Although deployment is ahead of adoption in some areas, the opportunity for growth is tremendous. Businesses that take advantage of this moment can secure the fastest, most reliable connections now and in the future. With Active Digital at your side, that journey becomes easier and more affordable, thanks to our upto £250 credit offer to cover early termination costs when you make the switch to our high-speed plans.
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