What Exactly is Full Fibre Broadband?

Having a reliable, high-speed internet connection has never been more important. If you've been exploring options for faster broadband, you've likely encountered the term "full fibre" – but what is full fibre broadband exactly, and is it right for your needs?

This guide explains everything you need to know about this cutting-edge technology.

What does full fibre broadband mean?

Full fibre broadband, also known as Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) or Fibre to the Home (FTTH), refers to an internet connection that uses fibre optic cables to deliver data directly to your property. When answering "what is full fibre broadband," it's important to understand that these connections use light signals transmitted through glass or plastic fibres, rather than electrical signals through copper wires.

This direct fibre connection provides significantly faster speeds and greater reliability compared to older technologies. **What does full fibre broadband mean for users?**Simply put, it means ultrafast download and upload speeds, consistent performance regardless of distance from the exchange, and a more future-proof internet connection.

How does full fibre broadband work?

Unlike traditional copper-based connections, full fibre uses thin strands of glass or plastic to transmit data via light signals.

Here's how the process works:

1. Data transmission: Information is converted into pulses of light
2. Light travel: These light signals travel through the fibre optic cables
3. High speed delivery: Light moves incredibly fast, allowing for rapid data transfer
4. Direct connection: The fibre cable runs directly to your property
5. Conversion: A terminal box converts the light signals back into electronic data that your devices can use

The key to** how full fibre broadband works** so effectively is that the fibre optic connection runs uninterrupted all the way to your home. This eliminates the slowdowns and interference problems common in connections that rely partially on copper wiring.

What is the difference between full fibre and fibre broadband?

Many providers advertise "fibre" connections, but there's an important distinction to understand. When considering what is the difference between full fibre and fibre broadband, it comes down to whether copper wiring is used for any part of the connection.

Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC): Often marketed simply as "fibre broadband," this technology uses fibre optic cables only from the exchange to the street cabinet. The final stretch from the cabinet to your home still uses traditional copper telephone wires. This creates a bottleneck that limits speed and reliability.

Full Fibre (FTTP): With full fibre, the entire connection from the exchange to your home uses fibre optic cables, with no copper involved at any stage.

What is the difference between FTTP and FTTC in terms of performance? Full fibre typically offers:

• Much faster download speeds (up to 900Mbps compared to FTTC's typical 70Mbps)
• Significantly faster upload speeds
• More consistent performance, especially at peak times
• Lower latency (response time)
• Better reliability with fewer service interruptions

This distinction is crucial when selecting a broadband package, as true full fibre delivers superior performance compared to partial fibre solutions.

Benefits of full fibre broadband

Ultrafast speeds: Download and upload data at phenomenal speeds – perfect for streaming, gaming, and working from home.

Reliability: Experience fewer dropouts and more consistent performance, even during peak usage times. With Hey! Broadband's full fibre service, weather conditions, and distance from the exchange won't affect the quality of your connection.

Symmetrical speeds: Unlike traditional broadband, where upload speeds are typically much slower than download speeds, full fibre often provides more balanced performance in both directions.

Future-proof: As digital demands increase, full fibre has enormous capacity to handle future technologies and higher bandwidth requirements.

Multiple users: Connect numerous devices simultaneously without experiencing slowdowns, making it ideal for busy households.

Low latency: Enjoy minimal delay between sending and receiving data, which is crucial for online gaming, video calls, and real-time applications.

These advantages explain why many Hey! Broadband customers choose to upgrade to full fibre when asking themselves, "do I need full fibre broadband?"

Can I get full fibre broadband?

As the UK's digital infrastructure continues to evolve, this is one of the most common questions we receive. The availability of full fibre is expanding rapidly across the country, with providers like Hey! Broadband helping to accelerate this rollout.

Is full fibre broadband available in my area?

To determine if full fibre broadband is available in your area, several factors come into play. Primarily, availability depends on whether the necessary infrastructure has been installed in your neighbourhood. Urban areas typically have broader coverage, but many suburban and rural areas are now gaining access as the network expands.

The availability of full fibre broadband varies from postcode to postcode, and sometimes even between neighbouring properties. Hey! Broadband is committed to extending coverage to more areas, particularly focusing on communities that have been underserved by larger providers.

How to check coverage and availability

Checking if full fibre broadband is available in your area is easy:

1. Visit the Hey! Broadband website: Our coverage checker tool provides the most up-to-date information
2. Enter your postcode: This allows us to check specific availability at your address
3. Contact our team: If you prefer to speak with someone directly, our customer service team can check coverage for you and answer any questions

Do I need full fibre broadband?

When considering whether you need full fibre broadband, the answer depends on your internet usage, household size, and digital lifestyle. While not everyone needs the fastest connection available, many households find that full fibre significantly enhances their online experience.

You might benefit from upgrading if:

• Multiple people use the internet simultaneously in your home
• You work from home and need reliable connectivity
• You regularly stream 4K content or use multiple streaming services
• You're an avid online gamer seeking minimal lag
• You frequently download or upload large files
• You have numerous connected devices throughout your home
• You're interested in future-proofing your connectivity

For many Hey! Broadband customers, the question of "do I need full fibre broadband" becomes clear once they consider how integral reliable internet has become to daily life. The enhanced experience often justifies the investment.

How much is full fibre broadband?

A common question we receive is "how much is full fibre broadband?" While full fibre packages traditionally cost more than standard broadband, the price difference has narrowed significantly in recent years as the technology becomes more widespread.

At Hey! Broadband, we offer competitive full fibre packages with various speed options to suit different needs and budgets. You’ll get:

• Guaranteed speeds
• Improved reliability
• Customer support
• No mid-contract price rises
• No usage caps or fair usage policies

Many customers find that the superior performance and reliability of full fibre actually represent better value for money compared to cheaper but less reliable alternatives.

Conclusion: Is full fibre the right choice for you?

Now that you understand more you might be asking "should I get full fibre broadband?" For most households, the answer is increasingly becoming "yes" as our digital demands grow.

Full fibre represents the most advanced home broadband technology currently available. Its superior speed, reliability, and capacity make it well-suited to modern digital lifestyles, and its future-proof nature means it will continue to meet your needs as technology evolves.

With Hey! Broadband's transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and commitment to expanding full fibre access, upgrading to full fibre has never been more straightforward.

If you're ready to explore your options and find the perfect broadband deal for your needs, check out our range of packages or give us a call at 0330 822 2878. Our friendly customer service team is here to help make your switch to Hey! Broadband a swift and stress-free experience!