Fibre broadband deals: compare the technology before the price
The word 'fibre' can describe very different fixed-broadband technologies. Two deals can both be advertised as fibre while one runs fibre all the way into the property and the other still uses copper for the final section. That difference is worth understanding before you compare price.
The short answer
Before comparing fibre broadband deals, check whether the address can receive full-fibre FTTP or a copper-based fibre product such as FTTC/SOGEA. Then compare estimated speed, upload performance, installation, equipment and the total contract cost.
FTTP means fibre reaches the premises
Full Fibre or FTTP runs optical fibre into the property and terminates on an optical network terminal. It can support much higher speed tiers than traditional copper-based access and is the long-term direction of the UK fixed network.
FTTC and SOGEA still use copper for the final section
Fibre-to-the-cabinet products run fibre to a street cabinet and use the existing copper pair between the cabinet and home. SOGEA provides broadband over similar access without a traditional analogue phone service. Estimated speed can vary with line length and condition.
Compare upload speed as well as download
Large cloud backups, video calls, creators and people moving big files can benefit from stronger upload performance. Do not assume two packages with similar download speeds have the same upload characteristics; compare the address-specific estimate where provided.
Check whether installation is required
A property that has never had full fibre may need an engineer to bring fibre to the premises and install an ONT. Ask what work is expected, whether someone must be home, where equipment will be located and whether any setup charge applies to the specific order.
Do not compare fibre deals on speed alone
A 1Gbps package is not automatically better value than 300Mbps if the household does not need the extra capacity. Compare the monthly price, contract length, router, setup, price changes and support alongside the speed tier.
Use the exact address to finish the comparison
National coverage maps are useful for research, but an order is based on the exact property. Run the OCCTA address check to see which technologies and speed bands are available before deciding whether an advertised fibre deal is relevant to you.
FAQs
Next step
Find out what's available at your address, or talk to a human about your setup.
Written by OCCTA Telecom Team. Reviewed by OCCTA Compliance and Product Team. Published ; last reviewed .
General information only. Availability, estimated speeds, installation work, features and commercial terms are confirmed for the specific address and order.