Fibre broadband has changed our online experience. This internet connection technology is dramatically faster and more reliable than standard broadband, which relies on old copper wires. In fact, the name comes from the usage of plastic or glass fibre optic cables, allowing faster data transfer and a stronger signal.
However, as there are many broadband fibre deals available on the market, choosing the right one can be quite tricky. Due to this, we decided to introduce you to the best fibre broadband deals, which will cater to all of your needs and preferences. Whether you’re a heavy user or just seeking faster speeds, we have you covered!
List of best fibre broadband deals
What is fibre broadband?
Fibre broadband is the latest, most reliable, and fastest UK broadband solution. It relies on fibre optic cables that can deliver data over long distances in no time. In fact, you can get ultrafast, reliable speeds up to 1,000 Megabits per second (Mbps), without a phone line.
The data travels down the fibre optic cables at the speed of light, meaning you get a more reliable connection to the internet and faster download speeds. Fibre broadband is game-changing if you want to have uninterrupted streaming, HD gaming, or remote working connections.
The biggest difference from standard broadband is the speed.
How does fibre broadband work?
Fibre broadband works by transmitting data using light signals through thin glass or plastic cables, known as optical fibres. These fibres are incredibly efficient at carrying data with modest signal loss over vast distances. These characteristics enable faster transfer speeds and more reliable connections than traditional copper-based broadband.
When you use fibre broadband, your data turns from electricity into light signals, which transmit through the optical fibres at extremely high speeds. At the other end of the transmission, the light converts back into electrical signals for decoding. This process allows for much faster data transfer than copper-based broadband, which relies on electrical signals that are more susceptible to electromagnetic interference and distance-related signal degradation.
Fibre broadband's superior speed and reliability make it ideal for households with multiple users, high-bandwidth applications like streaming and gaming, and anyone requiring a consistent, high-performance internet connection.
Can I get fibre broadband in my area?
While you most likely can get fibre broadband in your area, as 97% of UK homes have access, you may still be unable to take full advantage of its blazing speeds. Your location will determine your maximum available speeds. So, to be sure, it’s best to enter your postcode to check the fibre broadband coverage in your area. This will also allow you to see which speeds are available for your region.
What types of fibre broadband are available?
Currently, two types of fibre broadband are available – FTTC and FTTP. So, how about we go into more detail?
Fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC)
Fibre to the cabinet is the most common type. It has fibre optic cables running to cabinets on the corners of the street that transmit the connection to each property. FTTC is also fast, showing maximum download speeds of up to 80 Mbps. However, speeds decline as the distance increases between the cabinet and your home.
Fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP)
Fibre to the premises (FTTP) or full fibre is much faster than FTTC because the fibre cables travel to your property without copper wires. This fibre broadband type offers speeds of a minimum of 300 Mbps. Some packages even include speeds of up to 900 Mbps or even 1,000 Mbps.
What is the difference between superfast, ultrafast, and gigabit broadband?
- Superfast. The superfast broadband has slightly faster speeds than 30Mbps. Also, this broadband is among the most available in the UK and relies on an FTTC connection.
- Ultrafast. If you want speeds of over 300Mbps, or ten times faster than the superfast broadband, you should go for ultrafast.
- Gigabit. Gigabit broadband provides you with the best speed of any fibre broadband deal. You’ll get speeds of at least 1,000Mbps or 1Gbps. It primarily depends on the FTTP connection, meaning it is less available.
How much does fibre broadband cost?
On the lower end, basic fibre connections with speeds around 35-67Mbps usually cost £20-£25 per month. It is not the fastest internet connection, but it is enough for smaller households to browse, email, and stream.
You'll likely need higher speeds if your household has more people or devices. The mid-range fibre plans, offering 100-300Mbps download, are the perfect fit for most modern households. These have a price range of £25-£40 monthly, and they provide good value for handling all your HD streaming, gaming, video calls and general internet usage.
Then you've got the real speed demons - the ultrafast and gigabit fibre packages boasting 300-500Mbps and 1Gbps downloads or higher. Proper next-level stuff, but you'll pay a premium of at least £40-£60 per month, with some plans stretching beyond £100. Those top speeds are probably excessive for most users unless you have enterprise requirements or a massively connected household.
No matter your needs, it's always worth shopping around for the best broadband deals and looking for bundle discounts combining fibre with TV or mobile to maximise savings. Longer contracts can also shave a few quid off your monthly bills. But don't pay over the odds for top speeds unless your usage profile suggests that you really need the speed.
Do I need fibre optic broadband?
Fibre optic broadband is especially beneficial for properties with numerous internet users or devices, online gaming fans, or individuals who want to stream lag-free. So, if you belong to one or more of these categories, you probably need fibre broadband.
The next big decision is whether to go for FTTC or FTTP. For practical purposes, you’ll only choose FTTC over FTTP if it comes down to pricing or availability.
The higher speeds of FTTP are handy – possibly even essential – if you want to play online games without interruptions. However, it also enhances the experience of families or students who like to stream movies or music or just use the internet at the same time.
Pros and cons of fibre broadband
Now that you’re familiar with fibre broadband, let’s briefly examine its advantages and drawbacks.
Who are the best fibre broadband providers in the UK?
It’s hard to choose the best fibre broadband providers, so we’ve made our selection based on speed tests, contract lengths, and features. Here are the most prominent fibre broadband providers:
- Vodafone - Offers fibre broadband plans from 38Mbps to 910Mbps. Contracts range from 18 months to 24 months. It also provides bundled broadband and mobile plans.
- Virgin Media - “Giga-fast”-branded gigabit fibre plans from 54Mbps to 1.13Gbps. 18-month contracts. Bundles with TV and mobile available.
- Sky - Fibre speeds from 59Mbps to 900Mbps on 18-month contracts. Broadband packages can bundle with Sky TV.
- BT - Wide range of fibre plans from 36Mbps to 900Mbps on 24-month contracts. Offers full fibre, TV bundles, and BT Sport.
- Fibrus Broadband - Dedicated full-fibre provider with speeds from 150Mbps to 1Gbps on 18 or 24-month contracts.
- Zen - specialises in full-fibre broadband with speeds from 73Mbps to 900Mbps on 12-month or 24-month contracts. Known for outstanding customer service.
- NOW Broadband - Budget-friendly fibre plans from 36Mbps to 516Mbps on 12-month contracts. There are no bundling options.
- Plusnet - Affordable fibre from 36Mbps to 516Mbps on 12, 18 or 24-month contracts. BT owns Plusnet, but they operate separately.
How to find the best fibre broadband deals
Finding the best fibre broadband deal is a simple three-step process.
Step 1: Check Availability
Enter your details into our postcode checker to see which fibre broadband packages are available in your area, including speeds, prices, and contract terms.
Step 2: Choose the Right Speed
Consider your household's needs when selecting a speed. 30-50Mbps is suitable for small families with light usage, while larger households or those with high demands may need 100Mbps or more.
Step 3: Compare Bundles and Features
Look for bundles that include services like broadband and TV or home phone bundles if they offer better value. Consider additional features such as unlimited data, public Wi-Fi access, parental controls, and free installation.
Using our postcode checker and following these steps, you can quickly find the perfect fibre broadband deal for your household, balancing speed, value, and features to keep you connected.
FAQ
Can I get fibre without a phone line rental?
Yes, most major providers in the UK can sell you fibre broadband without a phone line rental. Although line rentals used to be standard, many providers now offer high-speed fibre broadband packages that do not require a landline phone service.
Which one is the best fibre broadband?
Virgin Media is arguably the best fibre broadband provider in the UK, with its network reaching around 56% of UK homes. It offers an unbeatable combination of ultra-fast speeds up to 1.13Gbps, competitive pricing, and flexible 18-month contracts – most other providers try to tie you into 24 months. While it isn’t an end-to-end full-fibre network, Virgin Media's hybrid network delivers gigabit-plus speeds to more UK homes than other pure fibre providers. Its impressive performance, value for money, and shorter contract lengths make Virgin Media the top choice for most UK residents.
Why can’t I get fibre broadband?
You might not get fibre broadband because it may not be available in your area. Although 97% of the UK has some form of fibre broadband, some regions still lack access to these speedy broadband deals.
How much should I be paying for fibre broadband?
Fibre broadband costs between $20 and $35 per month in the UK. However, it depends on the service provider, what it offers, and the connection it uses. If you want the fastest FTTP connection, you can pay $50/month or more.
Will I have to pay anything upfront for fibre broadband?
Yes, you might have to pay something upfront for fibre broadband. But there are many fibre broadband deals without an upfront cost.
Can I cancel my fibre broadband package at any time?
Yes, you can cancel your fibre broadband package at any time. However, as most broadband deals are on a contract (12, 18, or 24 months), you may need to pay a fee to cancel early.