Full-fibre broadband reaches almost 70% of UK properties – Ofcom

Greater than 20 million UK properties can now entry full-fibre broadband, in line with Ofcom’s newest figures. The telecoms regulator’s newest Linked Nations report stated that 69% of UK properties now have entry to full-fibre broadband, up from 57% in September final 12 months. Utilizing fibre-optic cables all the best way to the house, as an alternative of conventional copper strains, makes full-fibre broadband sooner and extra dependable, in addition to offering the potential to ship gigabit-capable speeds. Ofcom stated the newest figures recommend that the Authorities’s goal of getting 85% of the UK lined by a gigabit-capable broadband connection by 2025 is prone to be reached. Nevertheless, the figures confirmed {that a} hole nonetheless existed between the variety of properties capable of entry a full-fibre connection and people truly taking on such companies. Ofcom’s figures confirmed sign-up numbers had risen from 28% to 35% – equal to round 7.5 million properties – with take-up of full fibre notably increased in rural areas. Amid this uptick in individuals transferring to higher-speed broadband packages, Ofcom stated the UK’s common most obtain pace has risen from 170Mbit/s to 223Mbit/s in 2024. Natalie Black, Ofcom’s networks and communications group director, stated: “It’s a record-breaking 12 months for broadband within the UK, because the rollout of full fibre continues to steam forward. “Whether or not you’re operating a enterprise, streaming your favorite programmes, or doing Christmas procuring on-line, it’s extra possible than ever that you just’ll be capable of profit from a quick and dependable broadband connection.” Elsewhere, the report confirmed that the supply of cellular 5G continues to develop, and now accounts for greater than a fifth of all month-to-month cellular information site visitors within the UK. The examine additionally famous a pointy rise within the uptake of satellite-based broadband. Ofcom’s report stated that in 2024, connections by means of Elon Musk’s Starlink reached 87,000 – principally in rural areas – greater than double the 42,000 connections in 2023.