FTTP, FTTH, and FTTC: What's the difference?

Fibre broadband can seem like a confusing topic, especially with acronyms like FTTP, FTTC, or FTTH that appear so similar.

Here we’ll explain the ins and outs of fibre broadband technology, so you’ll know exactly the right type you need to get for the internet experience you require.

Unravelling the confusion and finding the best fibre technology for your needs is simpler than it seems. So, let’s break down these acronyms and then explore them in more detail:

• FTTH (Fibre-To-The-Home)
• FTTC (Fibre-To-The-Cabinet)
• FTTP (Fibre-To-The-Premises)

 

What is FTTH broadband?

FTTH stands for ‘Fibre-To-The-Home’.

This setup means fibre-optic cables run directly into a home. This term is also often used interchangeably with ‘100% full fibre’ and ‘full fibre’, which refers to the technology that allows us to offer such incredible speeds on our home broadband packages.

FTTH guarantees its performance by using fibre optic cables across the entire network. This means optimal streaming, downloading, and surfing in even the busiest households.

 

Can I get FTTH broadband?

FTTC can be an acceptable broadband option for many people. But why settle for slower speeds at higher prices? We offer London's fastest broadband speeds at the most competitive prices with our FTTH and FTTP packages.

If you’re outside of London, Surrey and Sussex or are only interested in FTTC, other providers may be able to offer you these packages — just remember the potential for variations in performance.

 

What is FTTC broadband?

FTTC stands for ‘Fibre-To-The-Cabinet’.

This setup uses fibre-optic cables running to a street cabinet. However, traditional copper cables then run from the cabinet to the building, with your speeds therefore varying depending on how far away the cabinet is located.

Even though FTTC uses fibre optic cables, the connection from the cabinet to your home will have to rely on outdated and slow copper wires, which might harm your experience.

 

Can I get FTTC broadband?

FTTC can be an acceptable broadband option for many people. But why settle for slower speeds at higher prices? We offer London's fastest broadband speeds at the most competitive prices with our our FTTH and FTTP packages.

If you’re outside of London or are only interested in FTTC, other providers may be able to offer you these packages — just remember the potential for variations in performance.

 

What is FTTP broadband?

FTTP stands for ‘Fibre-To-The-Premises’.

In this setup, fibre-optic cables run directly into a property. It offers the fastest and most reliable connection. It’s called ‘full fibre’, because these cables are used at every step. FTTP is a term we use when providing broadband for business customers or landlords.

FTTP delivers consistent speeds even during peak times. You will get symmetrical upload and download speeds, which is great for things like video conferences or large file uploads.

 

Can I get FTTP broadband?

FTTP is a fantastic broadband option that’s suitable for business customers. However, as of now, it’s only available from Community Fibre to customers based in Greater London, Surrey and Sussex.

If you're interested in FTTP and you're not in these areas, there are alternative providers out there that might be able to offer similar high-speed fibre connections in your region.

But, if you are, try our postcode checker to see if it’s available in your area.

 

How do I know if I have FTTP or FTTC?

Like many things about fibre technology, it's not as complicated as it might seem. To figure out if your broadband is FTTP or FTTC, you just need to check with your provider:

1. Give your broadband provider a call or check their website–they will usually have this information readily available.

2. Check your broadband plan, which might mention whether it's full fibre (FTTH or FTTP) or Fibre-To-The-Cabinet (FTTC) — this could be in the plan details or on other documentation.

3. Log into your provider’s online account–they often have a section where you can find technical details about your connection or package.

Good providers will be there to help you with this kind of information, so reach out if you’re not sure — they should guide you and help you find the type of connection you have.

 

FTTH vs FTTP: What’s the difference?

Let's cut through the word (or letter) salad.

FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) and FTTH (Fibre to the Home) are two ways to say the same thing when it comes to broadband technology. They both mean that your internet connection is delivered using fibre optic cables throughout the network.

Ultimately, if you’re a business in search of full fibre broadband and want to take advantage of the latest broadband technology, you’ll be looking at an FTTP package. Whereas home customers will be looking at FTTH. In addition to the difference in naming, these packages can also have differences in speed, with FTTP packages offering up to 10 Gbps for businesses. For home users who want London’s fastest broadband, speeds of up to 3 Gbps are available with an FTTH connection.

You might also see terms like "100% full fibre" or simply "full fibre" broadband, which refer to the same concept. These acronyms and terms are used interchangeably, but they all signify fast, reliable broadband connections powered entirely by fibre optics.

So, whether you're looking at FTTP, FTTH, 100% full fibre, or full fibre broadband, you're on the right track for a high-speed internet experience.

 

FTTH and FTTP vs FTTC: What's the difference?

By now, you might have caught onto the difference between FTTH, FTTP, and FTTC. The main distinction lies in how the fibre optic cables connect to your building.

With FTTH (Fibre-To-The-Home) and FTTP (Fibre-To-The-Premises), the fibre optic cables go from a data centre, to a street cabinet, and directly into your home — delivering a consistently fast connection.

With FTTC (Fibre-o-he-Cabinet), the cables go from a data centre, to a street cabinet, but the final stretch to your home is covered by copper cables — slightly affecting speed.

If you want the fastest, most reliable experience, FTTP and FTTH are the way to go. FTTC, while less advanced than FTTH or FTTP, is still a big leap from standard broadband, offering a better online experience overall.

 

What are the pros and cons of FTTP, FTTH and FTTC? 

 

Will FTTC be phased out?

Yes, FTTC will eventually become obsolete. In some areas, especially in more densely populated regions like London, there has been a mandate to phase out older copper connections–including those used for FTTC.

The entirety of the old copper network will eventually be retired throughout the UK.

This transition is part of a broader effort to enhance internet connectivity and provide users with the best possible experience.

If you are considering your broadband options, try to keep up with developments in the area to get the latest technology. This will ensure you’re getting the most up-to-date and suitable broadband for your needs.

The great news is, Community Fibre has been ahead of the curve for many years. With over 1 million homes now able to connect to our full fibre network, we’re leading the way in the capital for providing reliable, gigabit-capable broadband at a competitive price (correct as of Jan 2024).

 

Are FTTP and FTTH better than FTTC?

Full fibre options like FTTP (Fibre-To-ThePremises) and FTTH (Fibre-To-The-Home) are considered a top choice when it comes to broadband. They’re fast, ultra-reliable, and you won't see much slow-down during peak times.

On the other hand, while FTTC (Fibre-To-The-Cabinet) is considered an acceptable broadband option, speeds and uptime can be affected by the distance between your house and the cabinet.

 

What speeds can I get with FTTC, FTTH and FTTP? 

With FTTC you can typically get about 30 Mbps to 80 Mbps, depending on factors like your distance from the cabinet and your provider's package.

With FTTH, you can get speeds that routinely go beyond 100 Mbps and even reach up to 3 Gbps, depending on the local network’s capability and your specific package.

For businesses with an FTTP connection, speeds of up to 10 Gbps are available, with symmetrical upload and download speeds and fewer dropouts during peak times.

We have the fastest upload and download speeds of any London network. Quite a lot faster, in fact — our 3 Gbps broadband is up to 43x faster than the UK average download speed and 163x faster than the UK average upload speed, according to recent Ofcom reports. Feel free to try our speed test to measure your current internet speed.

 

Should I choose FTTP or FTTC for business broadband?

For fast and consistent speeds, especially if you do regular data transfers, video conferencing, or cloud-based operations, FTTP is best for businesses. FTTP gives you uploads that are as fast as your downloads, which is great for efficient operations.

For lower internet demands and a good balance between speed and cost, FTTC may also work. It's usually more affordable and provides decent speeds that are suitable for smaller or less intensive business operations.

To choose between FTTP or FTTC you should consider your unique business requirements and try to match your choice with your future business goals.

 

What's more expensive, FTTP or FTTC?

FTTP is more expensive than FTTC due to the higher level of infrastructure required for direct fibre connections to a premises. FTTP’s faster, more consistent speeds make it a premium option.

While FTTC may not have the same level of speed and reliability it can be more cost-effective to install, as it uses existing copper wires for the final stretch of the connection.

Costs can vary depending on factors like your location, service provider, and the plans or package you choose. It's a good idea to compare a few different providers and packages to find the best fit for your needs and budget.

Looking for a quick reference? Here’s a snapshot of how we compare to other broadband providers:

 

Switch to our 100% full fibre broadband

We hope this guide helped you better understand the differences and similarities between FTTP, FTTH, and FTTC more clearly. While FTTP and FTTH are the same high-performance internet for a home or business, FTTC is a less reliable and slower fibre broadband experience.

We offer many excellent full fibre packages for homes and businesses in London, with incredible value for money, excellent customer service, and easy switching. Check your postcode to see if Community Fibre’s lightning-fast broadband is available in your area.