By using fibre optic cables all the way to the home instead of copper lines you get full-fibre broadband which is much faster and more reliable. Full-fibre networks, as well as cable, can potentially deliver speeds of one gigabit per second (Gbps) or higher, which means a better experience for homes and businesses.
Whilst towns and cities have generally been enjoying good access to high-speed broadband, with fibre-optic networks and full-fibre connections now easily available, many rural communities are still relying on outdated copper-based connections or suffering from slow speeds due to their distance from network exchanges. This disparity creates what is known as the “digital divide,” leaving rural residents and businesses facing many disadvantages.
The government first announced Project Gigabit in 2019. A flagship £5 billion programme to upgrade the UK’s broadband infrastructure so that it can deliver superfast, full-fibre broadband to a third of homes by 2025. With nationwide coverage expected by 2030.
Knowing that targets wouldn’t be possible on the main network provider, BT Openreach, alone, the government allocated a huge part of this budget to helping new companies set up and start their own full fibre infrastructures. These alternative – or altnets – aren’t nationwide. And they aren’t tied into any regimented rollout plans. They are dozens of smaller, localised providers, with the goal of laying fibre as quickly as possible. Looking to gain more of the market share, many have reached out to the more rural, isolated and disadvantaged communities that have been so far overlooked.
Some providers, like Fibrus and Gigaclear, specifically target rural areas and will look at rolling out to those who register.
The key players putting the infrastructure in place for the UK’s full-fibre rollout include:
Coverage varies across the UK, the current figures look like the below. Northern Ireland is way ahead because of early commercial rollouts and public funding.
Regulators, particularly Ofcom, are pushing for more competition and investment to ensure full-fibre reaches as many people as possible. By 2027, coverage is expected to hit 96%.
If full-fibre broadband is not yet available in your area, here are some other steps you can take:
Check for FTTC or cable broadband
While not as fast as full fibre, FTTC (fibre to the cabinet) and cable broadband can still provide speeds suitable for most households. Find out more about the difference with our guide to full fibre vs fibre broadband.
Try 4G or 5G home broadband
Rather than fixed fibre-optic cables or a Wi-Fi network, mobile broadband just needs a 4G or 5G signal to deliver your broadband. This can be a great alternative if you haven’t got access to a reliable fixed-line broadband option. You do, of course, need to be in range of the right mobile networks. Find out more in our guide to mobile broadband.
Look into satellite internet
Services like Starlink offer high-speed internet in remote areas where wired options are limited, you can pretty much get it anywhere in the world. There are disadvantages – it’s much more expensive and can have delays in connection – but it is a good alternative to fibre in very remote areas.
Register interest with providers
Many broadband companies prioritise areas where there is high demand. Registering your interest with providers could speed up deployment and make your postcode be on the next rollout.
Check for government subsidies
Schemes like the Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme may help fund fibre installation in rural areas.
Community Fibre Projects
Some communities band together to fund local fibre infrastructure, often with government or private sector support. Find out more about the Openreach Community Partnership scheme.
By exploring these options, you can ensure you get the best possible internet speeds while waiting for full fibre availability in your area.
