Fibre optic broadband explained

How does fibre optic broadband work?

Fibre optic (fiber optic) is broadband that runs over cables in the ground, this differs to ADSL broadband that runs over copper telephone wires. The reason why fibre optic (fiber optic) broadband is so much faster can be attributed to the make-up of the cables themselves.

Fibre optic cables are made of glass or plastic, these materials facilitate fast movement of data along their length. In traditional ADSL broadband, speed is lost quickly over long distances, hence speeds vary depending on how far house is from the exchange.

With fibre optic broadband however, less speed is lost over long distances making it a superior option for those looking for super-fast broadband.

Who offers fibre (fiber) optic broadband?

Virgin Media are currently the only ISP to offer fibre optic cable broadband.

Types of fibre optic broadband packages

Virgin Media have a range of fibre optic broadband offers to suit every need and, more importantly, every pocket.

• Home phone and broadband deals: Virgin Media’s "M phone", "L phone" and "XL phone" offers combine super-fast fibre optic broadband with free weekend calls to UK landlines.
• Broadband bundles: Combine your broadband with home phone, digital TV and/or mobile phone packages to make great savings with Virgin Media’s "2 for £25", "3 for £30" and "4 for £40" deals.
• Stand-alone broadband: Virgin Media's flag-ship £10 "M" broadband offer gives customers outstanding value without asking them to commit to transferring other utilities too.

Who can get fibre optic broadband?

Cable broadband is available to 65% of UK households and this figure is increasing by the day, according to latest figures. If you are not sure whether you can access cable broadband at home, use our postcode checker to check your availability.

Fibre optic broadband is also known as:

• Fiber optic broadband
• Cable broadband