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What Do the Different Broadband Technologies Mean? 🌐📶

Broadband technology can be a bit confusing, but don't worry—we've got you covered. Let’s break down the different types of broadband available in the UK and what they mean for you.

Full Fibre (FTTP) 🚀

Full Fibre, also known as Fibre to the Property/Premises (FTTP), is the UK's most reliable and fastest broadband product. This technology uses a lightning-fast fibre optic cable that runs directly to your home from the local telephone exchange. Capable of ultrafast speeds up to 1Gbps, Full Fibre ensures you’re not sharing bandwidth with your neighbours. The line runs straight from your door to the exchange and then to the World Wide Web, providing a dedicated, high-speed connection.

Part Fibre (FTTC) 🔗

Part Fibre, also known as Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC), is a mix of fibre and copper technology. Here’s how it works: a superfast fibre optic cable runs from your local telephone exchange to a green box on your street (called a cabinet). From the cabinet, your broadband service continues on a copper line to the telephone socket in your home, with speeds up to 80Mbps. While fibre optic cables can send signals at lightning speeds, copper cables can’t. So, the longer the copper line from the cabinet to your house, the slower your speeds will be.

Copper (ADSL) 📞

Copper, also known as ADSL or MPF, uses a copper line from the local exchange to the telephone socket in your home. This older technology offers maximum speeds of up to 24Mbps. Copper broadband is less reliable than fibre and is being phased out in favour of Full Fibre. Additionally, the quality of your broadband can be affected by external factors like weather conditions, making it less consistent.

 

Understanding the different types of broadband technology can help you make an informed decision about which service best suits your needs. Whether it’s the ultra-reliable Full Fibre, the hybrid Part Fibre, or the older Copper technology, each has its own set of characteristics and advantages. If you need further assistance, feel free to reach out—we're here to help you get connected! 🌐