What is FTTP broadband and does your business need it?

Fibre to the Premises (FTTP), often called "full fibre", is a broadband connection that uses fibre optic cable all the way from the network to your building. Older connections such as FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) use fibre as far as the green street cabinet and then copper wire for the last stretch. FTTP removes the copper, which is the weak link. The result is more speed, more reliability and lower delay.

If your business relies on cloud apps, Microsoft 365, hosted phones, video meetings or large file uploads, your broadband is part of your core infrastructure. This guide explains how FTTP works, what it costs you in practice, how it compares with the alternatives and how to decide.

Key takeaways

• FTTP delivers fibre all the way to your premises. FTTC still relies on copper for the final stretch.
• FTTP gives gigabit-class speeds, strong upload speeds, lower delay and fewer faults than copper-based broadband.
• It matters more now that phones move to the internet. The copper phone network is being retired, with the switch-off due to complete by 31 January 2027.
• Availability is expanding quickly but is not universal. Check your address with several providers.
• FTTP needs mains power. Plan battery backup or a 4G or 5G backup if you cannot afford to lose connectivity.
• A leased line is a separate, premium option with guaranteed bandwidth and faster fault repair.

How does FTTP work?

Traditional broadband sends signals as electrical pulses over copper wire. Copper works, but speed falls as the distance from the cabinet grows, and it is more affected by interference and weather.

FTTP sends data as pulses of light through glass fibre. Fibre is thinner than a human hair but can carry far more data, over much longer distances, without the signal degrading. It is like upgrading from a single-lane road to a multi-lane motorway.

The journey looks like this:

1. Your provider's network connects to a local exchange.
2. Fibre runs from there through a network of junctions and splitters out to your street.
3. A fibre cable runs from the street into your building.
4. An Optical Network Terminal (ONT) inside your premises converts the light signal into a standard network connection.
5. The ONT connects to your router, and your devices connect to the router.

What equipment do you need?

• An Optical Network Terminal (ONT). This is a small box fitted by the installer. It is the point where the fibre ends.
• A good router. Pair gigabit broadband with a router that can handle it. A cheap router becomes a bottleneck.
• Quality cabling. Cat5e or Cat6 network cable is ideal for connecting computers, phones and access points. For important devices, wired connections beat Wi-Fi.
• Battery backup (optional but wise). Fibre does not carry power the way copper does, so in a power cut the connection stops unless you have a small battery unit or a 4G or 5G backup.

FTTP, FTTC and leased lines compared

What are the benefits of FTTP for a business?

• Speed in both directions. Fast uploads matter for backups, cloud storage, video calls and sending large design or media files.
• Reliability. Fibre is not affected by electrical interference, and it copes with weather better than copper, so you should see fewer faults.
• Low delay. That keeps video meetings and VoIP calls smooth, without awkward pauses.
• Headroom for growth. More staff, more devices and more cloud services can share the connection without it slowing down.
• Ready for the phone switch-off. Hosted phones need a solid connection. FTTP is the best foundation for them. See our guide to business VoIP.

Is FTTP right for your business?

FTTP is a strong fit if your business:

• uses cloud platforms such as Microsoft 365 or Google Workspace
• makes VoIP calls or video meetings
• uploads or downloads large files regularly
• has several people online at once
• wants to be ready for future growth

If you only have one or two people with light needs, FTTC may still be adequate. If downtime is very expensive or you host services on site, consider a leased line, or a second connection as backup.

Is FTTP available at your address?

Availability is growing rapidly across the UK, but it is not everywhere yet, especially in some rural areas and older multi-tenant buildings. You can check at your provider's website, the Openreach checker or ThinkBroadband. Several networks now build full fibre alongside Openreach, so it is worth checking more than one provider. In multi-tenant buildings the landlord's permission is often needed.

How is FTTP installed?

If FTTP is available, installation is usually straightforward:

1. Your provider runs a fibre cable from the street to your building, using existing ducts where possible, or new ducting or overhead cable where not.
2. An ONT is installed inside, often close to where the cable enters.
3. The ONT is connected to your router and the connection is tested.

Plan where the router and network equipment will live. Ideally it sits near a power socket and in a central position for Wi-Fi coverage. Timescales vary, from a few weeks for a simple install to longer where new cabling or landlord approval is needed.

Are there any downsides?

• Availability. Not every building can get it yet.
• Disruption. New cabling can mean some groundwork or drilling.
• Power dependency. The connection stops in a power cut unless you have backup power.
• Contract terms. Business contracts commonly run for a year or more, so check the term and exit charges before you sign.

For most businesses the benefits clearly outweigh these points.

How PurpleBox can help

PurpleBox helps UK businesses choose and set up the right connection, along with the router, Wi-Fi, phones and security that depend on it. We check availability, manage the installation and stay on as your single point of contact if anything goes wrong.

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