Full Fibre broadband, also known as FTTP (Fibre to the Premises), delivers an internet connection using fibre optic cables all the way from the exchange directly into your home or business.
Unlike older copper-based services such as ADSL or FTTC, Full Fibre does not rely on traditional telephone wiring. This allows for much faster speeds, greater reliability, and improved performance during peak usage times.
In the UK, Full Fibre is being rolled out by Openreach and a growing number of alternative network providers (often called altnets), including companies such as CityFibre, Hyperoptic, Community Fibre and others. Availability can vary significantly by location.
Typical Full Fibre packages offer download speeds ranging from 100Mbps up to 1Gbps (1000Mbps) or more, with upload speeds often matching or closely following download speeds. This makes FTTP ideal for streaming, video calls, online gaming, and working from home.
As the UK moves towards the closure of the traditional telephone network, Full Fibre connections also support digital voice services. Your telephone service is provided via your broadband router, removing the need for a separate phone line.
If Full Fibre is available at your exchange or postcode, it is generally considered the most future-proof broadband option.
The main types of fixed-line broadband currently available in the UK differ in how the connection reaches your premises and whether a traditional phone line is included.
| Feature | FTTP (Full Fibre) | FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) | SOGEA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connection to premises | Fibre optic cable all the way to your property | Copper phone line from street cabinet | Copper phone line from street cabinet |
| Uses copper phone line | No | Yes | Yes |
| Traditional phone service included | No | Yes | No |
| Typical download speeds | 100Mbps - 1Gbps+ | 30Mbps - 80Mbps | 30Mbps - 80Mbps |
| Typical upload speeds | 50Mbps - 1Gbps+ | 5Mbps - 20Mbps | 5Mbps - 20Mbps |
| Reliability | Very high | Moderate (distance dependent) | Moderate (distance dependent) |
| Suitable for digital voice | Yes | Limited (legacy service) | Yes |
| Future-proof | Yes | No | Short to medium term |
FTTP (Full Fibre) is the most modern and future-proof option, delivering the fastest speeds and best reliability. It does not support traditional phone services but works with digital voice solutions.
FTTC uses fibre to the street cabinet and copper wiring for the final connection. It includes a traditional phone line but is being phased out as the PSTN closes.
SOGEA is similar to FTTC but without a traditional phone service. It is designed as a transitional product ahead of full fibre availability.
Openreach and the wider UK telecoms industry are retiring the old Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) and associated copper-based services as part of the move to an all-digital, internet-protocol (IP) based network.
The PSTN and associated wholesale copper services - including traditional analogue phone lines, ISDN2, ISDN30 and other legacy products - are being withdrawn.
These services historically relied on copper wiring connected from exchanges to premises. They will be replaced with digital alternatives such as Full Fibre (FTTP) and IP-based broadband services like SOGEA, SOGFAST and other All-IP products.
Originally planned for December 2025, the final withdrawal of the PSTN network has been rescheduled to 31 January 2027 to give more time for migration, particularly for vulnerable customers and specialist services. By this date, all legacy services that depend on the PSTN must be transitioned off the copper network.
