What is a Full Fibre Connection?
A full fibre or a FTTP (Fibre to the Premise) connection means a fibre optic cable runs from a cabinet straight to your house without relying on copper cables.
FTTP stands for Fibre to the Premise and involves a fibre optic cable running from a cabinet, a green metal box you may have seen in your area, straight to your house. FTTP is not to be confused with FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) which includes a copper cable running from the cabinet to your house.
I already have fibre, how is yours any different?
Full fibre involves a fibre optic cable running from a cabinet, a green metal box you may have seen in your area, straight to your house. In comparison, the average fibre connection involves less efficient copper cables that are limited when it comes to internet speed and reliability.
How does fibre optic broadband connect to my house?
Your house can be fully set up with ultrafast broadband in just a few simple steps: Choose an internet provider that’s right for you. On the day, we’ll call you to let you know we’re on route. When one of our engineers arrive, they will assess the property and locate the nearest point of presence or network point. When the method of connection has been identified, the engineer will install a grey box to the outside of your house. This is called a customer splice point (CSP). The fibre cable will be taken from the newly installed CSP and connected to another small grey box called an optical network terminal (ONT) inside your home. Finally, the engineer will carry out a configuration test, which means the installation process is complete. You are now free to connect your router.
Does FTTP need a phone line?
You don’t need a phone line to receive FTTP broadband. If you’re already paying for a phone line, you can continue doing this and keep the FTTP separate. You also have the option to move away from copper entirely and pay for Fibre Voice Access which gives you two lines but over full fibre connection.
Do I need an engineer to install fibre?
Yes. Fibre installation involves laying a new cable and using specialist equipment. It’s therefore necessary for a trained engineer to install ultrafast fibre broadband in your home.
What will full fibre allow me to do that I can't already?
From browsing with speed and reliability no matter the time of day to experiencing ultrafast download and upload speeds, full fibre broadband will enhance your internet life like never before. Say goodbye to the dreaded loading wheel and patchy video calls and say hello to stress-free, dependable, multi-device connection.
What is the difference between superfast and ultrafast broadband?
The term superfast refers to broadband speeds anywhere between 30Mbps to 300Mbps. This usually includes all Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) services that involve copper wiring, with 64Mbp being the average speed in the UK. Ultrafast broadband on the other hand refers to broadband speeds of more than 300Mbps and involves Fibre to the Premise (FTTP) cables, which means unlimited connection. Compare this to ultrafast broadband prior to 2015, it’s now up to 10 times faster
Why do you use telegraph poles?
When it comes to your full fibre connection, there are two ways to build the infrastructure – either digging underground or via telephone poles. The advantage to digging is that the cables remain invisible, but telegraph poles have many more advantages including: Efficiency - The process of setting a pole is much quicker and more efficient than digging. Little disruption – Telegraph pole installation is usually much more straightforward and creates little disruption for residents compared with the digging process. Saves money – Poles are a more cost-effective solution to upgrading networks, especially in the areas where digging underground isn’t a viable option. Adds value – Studies show that ultrafast full fibre connection, whether via a pole or underground increases the value of your home. Better for the environment – Installing a telegraph pole is a much more conscious approach compared to digging. A pole, usually made out a renewable material, can bridge a gap of about 85 metres.
