Recently, BT announced it will “build like fury” to roll out full fibre internet connections across the UK after new rules were announced by UK telecoms regulator Ofcom.
So, what does this actually mean, and why the sudden need to build it at such a fast pace?
Full Fibre is the next-generation of broadband which will offer a dedicated connection that runs straight to your office. You may or may not know how the ‘internet’ is delivered to you, but right now, depending on where you are, you’re probably on one of these three supply options.
ADSL Broadband
This runs from the exchange via a copper line to a street cabinet (that green box somewhere on the street) then the copper line runs to your office to deliver your broadband connection.
FTTC Broadband
Again this runs from the exchange, but this time down a fibre optic line to the street cabinet and from there it runs along a short copper line into your office.
Leased Line
This is usually a dedicated fibre line that runs from the exchange or your ISP’s point-of-presence (POP) direct to your premises. Leased lines are significantly more costly and take longer to install but much faster and more robust.
The full fibre rollout will effectively provide the same as current leased lines, but much more widespread, and will eventually become the standard connection to most offices and homes. The UK wide rollout will also eventually bring the cost down and closer to current broadband connections.
What does this mean for my broadband speed and connection?
Well as certain barriers have been removed that can slow down the speed of your internet connection and better technology is being used. Full Fibre delivers a faster dedicated service. It uses the latest fibre-optic technology and offers average download speeds up to 900Mbps, which is 25 times faster than superfast broadband.
Openreach, which is owned by BT, will now start to remove the old copper cables and lay down the fibre optic lines direct to premises and bypass the street cabinets. They hope to have over 20 million connections by the mid-to-late 2020s, which they estimate will mean they are converting three million premises per year to provide the next-generation broadband.
But there could be a catch. Ofcom has decided not to impose a price cap on the service once it is delivered. Plus, as BT and Openreach will be building the infrastructure first before selling the lines to other ISPs, it will mean they will continue to have a monopoly over this technology, so when they sell it to businesses and homes the price could be steep!
The good news is faster more reliable broadband is on its way for the UK, the possible bad news is, it may cost more than you are currently paying. Businesses and homeowners will have to way up the pros and cons when the time comes.
If you want to know about how Greystone can help with your business broadband, read more here
Data Networking and Leased Lines Manchester Greystone Consulting Ltd
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