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FTTC and FTTP broadband deals are the most common types of packages in the UK. To help you understand the difference between them, our experts have provided in-depth explanations of these broadband solutions below, including whether they are available in your area.
For a closer insight into the nation’s broadband habits, we also surveyed over 2,000* broadband customers in the UK, helping you decide which broadband connection suits your needs best.
Fibre broadband, also known as FTTC, uses both fibre optic and copper wires. Full fibre broadband, or FTTP, exclusively uses fibre optic wires, resulting in faster speeds.
The latest Ofcom report [1] claims that 62 per cent of households in the UK can access FTTP broadband. Openreach has pledged to make 25 million households and businesses FTTP-capable by 2026. [2]
FTTC broadband uses fibre optic cables that connect to your street cabinet. From there, copper wires are routed into your home via a landline to connect you to the internet. FTTC broadband has top speeds of 80Mbps.
Because they need copper wires, most FTTC packages are broadband and phone deals. However, due to the upcoming PSTN switch off, some providers are phasing out landlines and replacing them with digital voice services.
FTTP only uses fibre optic cables. These cables are more durable and reliable than copper wires, making FTTP broadband faster and more stable.
With speeds that can reach over 1,000Mbps – depending on the provider – FTTP is the fastest broadband solution in the UK.
FTTC and FTTP broadband deals can be customised by adding extra services. Eligible customers can benefit from broadband-only, broadband and TV or broadband, phone and TV deals.
Though adding more services can make your broadband package more expensive, it can represent better value for money overall, and a bundle is easier to manage than multiple subscriptions. Use our postcode checker to find bundled packages in your area.
Below we’ve outlined the various download and upload speeds you can expect with both FTTC and FTTP to give you a better understanding of which speeds are right for you.
| Average download speed | Highest download speed | Average upload speed | Highest upload speed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FTTC broadband | 35Mbps | 80Mbps | 10Mbps | 20Mbps |
| FTTP broadband | 100Mbps | 1,000Mbps+ | 100Mbps | 1,000Mbps+ |
Theoretically, FTTP connections can be symmetrical, meaning they can achieve equal download and upload speeds. However, this largely depends on your internet provider, with average upload speeds around 50-95 per cent slower than average download speeds.
So you don’t end up overspending on a package, it is important to know the minimum broadband speed required for your household. If a low-speed connection will suffice, you can opt for a cheaper package. However, if you would benefit from a faster connection, FTTP broadband might make sense. If you’d like to learn more about broadband speeds and how to measure them, please consult our guide.
In short, no. If you don’t want – or can’t get – FTTC or FTTP broadband, there are other avenues to consider.
Mobile broadband relies on 4G and 5G data. Speeds can reach up to 150Mbps, although this will depend on signal strength in your area.
Satellite broadband is another option. While expensive, it doesn’t rely on traditional infrastructure or mobile data. This solution is best for those living in remote areas who require fast speeds.
Use our postcode checker to quickly find what broadband is available in your area.
Ultimately, the choice between FTTC and FTTP depends on your internet habits.
Below, you can see the popularity of FTTC and FTTP broadband according to customers’ internet usage. Those with heavy usage habits tend to choose FTTP, as it provides faster speeds.
If you opt for FTTC, you can always switch to FTTP broadband at a later date. However, beware of underestimating your internet needs, as a slow broadband connection can lead to frustration.
Almost every broadband provider in the UK offers FTTC and FTTP broadband to eligible customers. Some providers such as Community Fibre and Hyperoptic exclusively offer FTTP broadband.
The best way to find providers in your area is to use our postcode checker. Simply enter your address and filter by providers to see your options are. For more specific results, you can also filter the deals by speed.
You can switch broadband providers regardless of your deal, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Depending on where you are in your contract, you may be liable for cancellation fees, which will vary based on the provider.
When switching, you should contact your broadband provider first, even if you plan on staying with them, and follow the instructions on what to do with your current equipment. Switching to a new deal may incur installation charges, which you should account for in your broadband budget.
Use the postcode checker at the top of our page to find the best broadband deal for you.
[1] Ofcom, Connected Nations update: Spring 2024, April 2024
[2] Openreach, Our Ultrafast Full Fibre Broadband Build Plans
Survey of broadband customers aged between 24 and 64 conducted on Censuswide, 11-14 March 2024. Survey sample: 2,003 respondents, totalling Sky (489), BT Broadband (412), Virgin Media (396), EE (134), Vodafone (124), Other (102), Plusnet (66), NOW Broadband (45), Three (31), Hyperoptic (14), Community Fibre (8), Unsure (7). Respondents who selected Hyperoptic, Community Fibre, Other or Unsure were discarded from our review. Respondents were asked to rate each category on a five-point scale, from Very Poor to Excellent or from Never to Always, with the option of selecting Don’t Know for each question. For the third question (‘What issues, if any, have you experienced with your current broadband provider?’), respondents could select from the following: Price Hikes, Slow Speeds, High Prices, Frequent Disconnections, Poor Customer Service, Billing Issues, Other and N/A. The questions used to calculate our score were ‘How often, if at all, do you feel the actual speed of your broadband service matches the advertised speed?’, ‘How would you rate your experience with customer service and support from your broadband provider?’, ‘What issues, if any, have you experienced with your current broadband provider? (Select all that apply)’, ‘How easy or difficult is it/would it be to reach your provider using your preferred method?’, ‘How do you rate the value for money of your broadband service?’ and ‘How would you rate the transparency of pricing and additional fees in your broadband service?’.
Our survey revealed that FTTP broadband costs an average of £54.26 per month, with FTTC averaging just £47.94 per month. However, to find the best price, it’s important to compare broadband deals. You may find that some providers offer faster speeds for cheaper prices in your area.
The easiest way to find out if you can access FTTC or FTTP broadband is to use our postcode checker. Speeds above 20Mbps mean you can get FTTC and speeds above 80Mbps, mean you can access FTTP.
For a deeper dive into the broadband deals available in your area, see our dedicated regional articles.
