The broadband market in the United Kingdom continues to evolve.
We’ve gone from ADSL Broadband to Fibre broadband. Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) to Fibre to the Premises (FTTP). From Superfast broadband to ultrafast broadband – the latter of which we are going to explore today.
What exactly is Ultrafast Broadband?
Before we get into the nuts and bolts of Ultrafast Broadband, let’s start with a formal definition.
Ultrafast broadband is defined as a broadband connection that is faster than 300Mbps but does not exceed 1Gbps (one gigabit per second, or 1000 Mbps) and is provisioned using fibre-optic cables that run all the way from the local telephone exchange right the way to the doorstep of your premises.
What’s the difference between ultrafast and superfast?
Quite simply – the speeds. Download speeds for a superfast broadband connection typically don’t exceed 100Mbps, with upload speeds up to 20Mbs. As we found out above, ultrafast broadband download speeds usually exceed 300Mbs (although some definitions state anything above 100Mbs is ultrafast), with upload speeds of up to 50Mbs.
The reason for the speed difference and the technological difference is the use of copper cables. Superfast broadband, typically known as FTTC uses copper wires between the street cabinet and a business premise. FTTP offers ultrafast speeds by using fibre-optic cables all the way from a local telephone exchange to the business premises. Also, n FTTP connection does not require a phone line (PSTN).
What about G.Fast?
G.fast is a new development of FTTC. Using existing FTTC infrastructure (fibre cables from exchange to the cabinet, copper cable from the cabinet to premises) and adding additional equipment to the street cabinet, G.fast allows for faster broadband speeds than FTTC -up to approximately 300Mbps. However to receive G.fast you typically need to be within 500 metres of the cabinet.
How do I know if I can get ultrafast broadband?
Simple – Stream has built a website dedicated entirely to ultrafast full-fibre broadband where you can check availability, compare broadband deals/broadband packages and order.
The site also checks for standard broadband (ADSL), superfast fibre (FTTC) and leased lines and will always show you the best connectivity available.
All you have to do is type your postcode into our checker – https://cascade.streamnetworks.co.uk/guest_quote_connectivity/availability
Is Ultrafast broadband availability limited?
At the moment, yes. The UK’s internet network has been built using legacy copper cables that can only offer so much. Targets have been set by the UK government. There is a variety of public and private investment in the infrastructure to bring average speeds up, however, due to the complexity of the works (digs, planning permission, road closures) the rollout is not simple and will continue to take some time.
Why Stream for ultrafast broadband?
Most broadband providers in the UK rely on the BT Openreach network to provide ultrafast fibre. As we explored in the question above, the rollout of this network has been limited. This has resulted in other providers using government and private funding to roll out their own network to specific locations and provide gigabit broadband.
Stream brings all of these provides and networks together in one place – ensuring our customers know they have one port of call for all of their locations.
Stream is also one of few providers that offer ultrafast packages with download speeds all the way to 1Gbps – ensuring our customers always have access to the best broadband, required bandwidth and highest average speeds possible.
Also, many other providers will package a router with your ultrafast broadband that won’t actually be fit for purpose. As a fairly new technology, there a limited routers in the marketplace that have the throughput and capacity to reach speeds of 1 Gbps. Therefore, you could be paying for a 1 Gbps broadband service but plugging in a router that can only go up to300 Mbps. Stream will provide you with a router that will provide you with the speeds promised.
Why do I need ultrafast broadband?
The answer to this question is simple – it opens you up to a world of new technologies. With an increased average download speed, businesses can take advantage of Cloud technologies such as PaaS, SaaS and IaaS with the added reassurance they are less likely to suffer from issues such as buffering. With the PSTN network being shut down in 2025, they can also facilitate VoIP into their network with plenty of bandwidth spare to ensure call quality and reliability do no suffer.
Day to day tasks such as downloading files and emails can be completed using a high-speed connection that does not suffer from any buffering at peak times.
Broadband is the 4th utility. We are dependent on it to get through day to day life. Ultrafast broadband will make life easier.
Ultrafast Broadband Packages
Our full list of packages are available on the Full Fibre Broadband website – https://fullfibrebroadband.com/
Alternatively, give us a call on 01635 884170 or drop an email at sales@stream-networks.co.uk
We also have a wide range of other business broadband products available which can be found here.