In an era where information can travel at the speed of light, businesses and individuals around the globe crave high-speed, reliable internet services. The United Kingdom is no exception, where the demand for faster speeds and more consistent connectivity has spurred the expansion of full fibre across the land. At Orbital Net, we have started our full fibre rollout across the UK, providing connectivity to numerous business estates and city/town centres.
Full fibre connectivity is a game-changer, offering unparalleled advantages over traditional broadband options. Let’s take a look at what you need to know about full fibre, as well as our planned full rollout, and how both will benefit your business.
What is full fibre and what’s the big deal?
Full fibre, or fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP), is a broadband internet connection that uses fibre-optic cables to deliver data from the closest internet exchange directly to a user’s premises. Full fibre differs from other types of broadband connections, such as fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC), which uses fibre optic cables to connect to the cabinet but then connects the final leg of the connection, also known as the “last mile”, to the user’s premises via copper cables.
FTTC delivers a slower connection than FTTP and is less reliable, given that the copper cabling is slower over distance, while fibre maintains speed no matter how long/far it is. Until recently, many Internet Service Providers (ISPs) have been calling their services ‘fibre broadband’ even if they offer FTTC, which has caused endless confusion regarding the differences and benefits of choosing between the two connectivity types.
It’s no wonder that 27% of consumers said that they did not understand terminology used by ISPs, so much so that businesses do not see the benefits to upgrading their connectivity solution, because the promises made do not match the service delivered.
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Such misleading use of terminology in marketing has prompted Ofcom, the UK telecoms regulator, to issue guidelines that will only allow broadband ISPs to use the terms “fibre” and “full-fibre” on their websites and in contracts “if their network uses fibre-optic cables all the way from the exchange to the home” (i.e. FTTP).
True fibre—or FTTP— provides superior business connectivity, in comparison to FTTC. This is not only because of increased broadband speeds; but also because of the reduced risk of outages and the enhanced ability to handle increasing workloads, all of which make full fibre a top-tier connectivity choice for increasingly digital businesses and a mobile workforce.
The current state of full fibre connectivity in the UK
In 2023, more than 52% of UK businesses have access to full fibre broadband, a substantial leap from the 29% in 2021, according to Ofcom. This growth is propelled by various factors, including substantial government investments amounting to £2.5 billion, and significant private sector contributions from companies such as ours. Additionally, growing demand from consumers for faster and more reliable internet connectivity only fuels the full fibre momentum.
Why is full fibre connectivity important?
Essentially, it’s a case of ‘out with the old, in with the new’. The UK PSTN switch-off, which will be completed by January 2027, will see traditional copper-based communication networks replaced with modern IP services. This includes discontinuing analogue or digital phone lines, ISDN systems, and older internet connections like ADSL and FTTC broadband. Businesses using PSTN will soon need to update their telecom setup to stay connected.
What are the advantages of full fibre connectivity for business?
Full fibre broadband outshines other connectivity options in several key aspects:
Lightning-fast speeds: Full fibre broadband can deliver speeds up to 1 Gbps, dwarfing the capabilities of ADSL and “superfast” fibre broadband. This immense speed allows businesses to download/upload large files swiftly and stream high-definition video seamlessly.
Unmatched reliability: The full fibre connection is notably more robust, boasting resistance to interference. Businesses heavily relying on the internet for daily operations will find this critical to their operations.
Minimal latency: Low latency in full fibre broadband translates to minimal delay in sending and receiving data, which is essential for real-time applications like video conferencing and virtual training simulations.
Growth-focused connectivity: Full fibre broadband can support a greater number of users and devices simultaneously without compromising speed, making it ideal for businesses as they scale and embrace emerging technology.
The future of full fibre connectivity in the UK
The future of full fibre connectivity in the UK is promising. As an ISP, we’re playing our part by contributing to a connectivity infrastructure that delivers better, faster ways of doing business.
“Where other operators would only sell leased line services, we’re trying to bridge the gap between legacy copy services such as ASDL, and full leased line costs by providing FTTP as a cost-effective stop-gap solution,” notes James Tonkin, Orbital Head of Engineering.
“In terms of the skilled resources necessary to lead our rollout, one of things we are most proud of is the fact that we have our own in-house engineering team. “This allows us to be diverse in our builds and installations and enables us to be proactive. For example, we recently had a customer sign for a leased line at 9.30am and by 5.30pm the team had already built, designed, and completed the installation.” Tonkin enthuses.
Get your business future-ready with Orbital
“Full fibre broadband is not just about speed; it’s about a transformative experience that empowers businesses and individuals. Our dedication to innovation, exceptional customer service, and commitment to staying ahead of the curve makes Orbital a reliable choice for business owners seeking a future-ready, seamless full fibre connectivity experience to help their businesses grow.” Tonkin concludes.
