Getting better broadband

Full fibre, also known as ‘fibre-to-the-premises’ (FTTP), is the next generation of broadband. It is capable of ‘gigabit’ download speeds, meaning speeds of at least 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps.

Full fibre is an upgrade over the previous generation of ‘part-fibre’ broadband, known as ‘fibre-to-the-cabinet’ (FTTC), which is capable of speeds of around 30 to 80 Mbps.

Broadband networks are built by private companies called network operators. Openreach (which is owned by BT) is the largest, but there are many others including Virgin Media O2 and CityFibre.

Internet service providers (ISPs) such as BT, Sky, and TalkTalk use the networks built by network operators to offer internet services to consumers. Some network operators, such as Virgin Media O2, also act as an ISP.

Price comparison websites allow consumers to compare packages offered by ISPs in their area.

As ISPs only work with certain network operators, the range of choice available to consumers will depend on which network operators are active in the area. For example, full fibre deals from BT are only available in places where Openreach has built a full fibre network.

Openreach has published a map showing its future full fibre network deployments. However, other network operators do not generally publish future build plans.

Thinkbroadband’s interactive broadband map shows where different network operators have currently built full fibre.

The UK Government provides funding to support the rollout of full fibre broadband networks to parts of the UK that would otherwise not be commercially viable. The funding programme, known as Project Gigabit, has two main parts:

• Contracts awarded to network operators subsidising the deployment of networks across large areas covering thousands of premises.
• A scheme offering vouchers worth up to £4,500 per premises designed to support smaller, local projects. This scheme has been paused in most of the UK to avoid overlaps with Project Gigabit contract builds. The scheme’s website shows eligible areas and explains how to access funding.

The devolved administrations have their own programmes for deploying gigabit networks alongside Project Gigabit: R100 in Scotland, the Extending High Speed Broadband Project in Wales, and Project Stratum in Northern Ireland (which was completed in June 2025). Some local authorities in England offer to top up the UK Government vouchers. Additionally, across the UK, some contracts signed under the superfast broadband programme, Project Gigabit’s predecessor, are still being delivered.

There is no government funding to help individuals pay the monthly cost of a full fibre broadband package. ISPs have introduced a range of low-cost social tariffs for individuals who receive certain benefits, such as Universal Credit.

Building Digital UK (the government agency responsible for Project Gigabit) publishes data on the premises that are included in Project Gigabit in England and Wales. Equivalent data for Scotland and Northern Ireland is not currently available.

The dataset also shows which premises currently have access to gigabit broadband or are expected to receive it commercially in the future, and premises that are not covered either by current Project Gigabit interventions or known commercial plans.

The data can be viewed on thinkbroadband’s interactive broadband map (select the ‘Project Gigabit OMR Map’ or ‘BDUK Contract Status’ toggles).

The Commons Library can help Members of Parliament understand this data at constituency level.

The UK Government has said that some properties will be too expensive to reach even with Project Gigabit funding. It is exploring “alternative connectivity options” for these properties. The Welsh Government’s Extending High Speed Broadband Project is targeting premises that will not be reached by commercial or Project Gigabit builds.

Local challenges may mean that it is difficult or costly to build to some properties, even if broadband has been deployed to other properties nearby. Challenges include:

• Lack of existing physical infrastructure (telegraph poles and underground ducts). Broadband providers often use existing infrastructure to reduce the cost of building networks, especially in rural areas.
• Land access issues. Broadband providers have a general right to build networks on or under public roads. However, if they need to access private land, they need a legal agreement with the landowner. Obtaining an agreement can be time-consuming and costly.
• Trouble gaining access to multi-dwelling properties. To deploy broadband to a multi-dwelling property such as a block of flats, broadband providers need the landlord’s consent. As private property owners, landlords have a right to refuse to grant access. The government is consulting on a right for leaseholders to request a broadband connection.

There are some options available for individuals who are not covered by a commercial or government-funded full fibre roll-out.

Wireless broadband may be an option if wired broadband is unavailable. Wireless technologies include 4G or 5G mobile broadband, fixed wireless, and satellite broadband.

The Universal Service Obligation scheme requires BT (or KCOM in the Hull area) to provide ‘decent’ broadband (defined as over 10 Mbps) to anyone in the UK who requests it, up to a cost threshold of £3,400 per premises. Residents would be expected to pay any costs above that. To be eligible for the Universal Service Obligation, individuals must be unable to get 10 Mbps at their home using other technologies such as 4G mobile broadband at an affordable monthly price (defined as £54 per month) and must also not be covered by a publicly funded build.

In October 2023, the government consulted on reforms to the Universal Service Obligation, including reviewing whether 10 Mbps is sufficient as a standard of ‘decent’ broadband. It has not yet responded to the consultation.

Groups of residents may be able to set up schemes to bring full fibre broadband to their area. Guidance on community-led schemes is available from the government. Openreach has set up a Fibre Community Partnership programme to help guide applicants through the process.

No government funding is available specifically for community projects, although Project Gigabit broadband vouchers can be put towards the cost.

Commons Library, Gigabit broadband in the UK: Government targets, policy, and funding

Commons Library, Building broadband and mobile infrastructure

Commons Library, Mobile and broadband: affordability and consumer protection