What is FTTP broadband?
If you're shopping for broadband in the UK, you'll see the terms FTTP, FTTC and SOGEA. They all sound similar but the technology behind them is very different — and it directly affects your speed, reliability and price. Here's a plain-English breakdown.
The short answer
FTTP (Fibre-to-the-Premises) is a full-fibre broadband connection that runs a fibre-optic cable all the way into your home. It's faster, more reliable, and future-proof compared to older copper-based FTTC.
FTTP — Fibre to the Premises
FTTP runs fibre to the premises rather than relying on the final copper section used by FTTC. Available speeds vary by network and product; use the provider's address-specific information rather than treating one headline figure as universal.
FTTC — Fibre to the Cabinet
FTTC runs fibre only as far as the green street cabinet, then copper telephone wire the rest of the way to your house. Speeds top out around 80Mbps and slow down the further you are from the cabinet.
SOGEA — Single Order Generic Ethernet Access
SOGEA is FTTC without a landline. Same copper-and-fibre mix, same speeds, but you don't pay for a phone line you don't use. It's Openreach's stepping-stone before FTTP rolls out to every street.
Which one can I actually get?
It depends entirely on your postcode. Around 70% of UK premises now have FTTP available; the rest are still on FTTC/SOGEA until Openreach reaches them. Use our free postcode checker to see exactly what's available at your address.
FAQs
Next step
Find out what's available at your address, or talk to a human about your setup.