Fibre to the premises (FTTP) - sometimes called full fibre, pure fibre, fibre to the home (FTTH) or ultrafast broadband - is where a fibre cable runs directly from the telephone exchange into your home or business.
Because the connection is 100% fibre you will be able to get download speeds of up to 300mbps (megabits per second) today. The technology is capable of speeds of up to 1,000mbps when new packages become available for the consumer.
How to get FTTP
Unlike a FTTC connection, FTTP installation requires a broadband engineer to bring the fibre cables all the way into your home or business.
Step 1 - Place an order
Not all Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offer FTTP, so you may need to consider changing to one that does.
Those providing a FTTP service over the Openreach network in Dorset include:
- Andrews & Arnold Ltd phone: 03333 400 111
- Aquiss phone: 01746 708090
- BT phone: 0800 5874787
- Poundbury Systems Ltd phone: 01305 259849
- Wessex Internet phone: 0333 240 7997
- Zen Internet phone: 01706 902573
View the full list of FTTP providers operating over the Openreach network.
When placing an order with your chosen ISP, they will provide you with a date when an engineer will come out to carry out tests or even a survey if necessary.
Step 2 - Survey
A site survey may be needed to assess what work needs to be done to install the fibre connection. No work will be carried out without your permission and you agreeing to any costs that may be associated with this for which you are liable. In some cases, additional works may be required to bring the fibre cable into your premises. You will need to be there on the appointment date.
Step 3 - Engineer appointment
Fibre optic cable is run via underground ducts or telegraph poles to your property. To enable the engineer to access your property, you'll need to be there on the day of the appointment.
There may be a short interruption to your telephone service during this work. If you have an alarm on your phone line, please let your provider know that your line may go down for a few minutes, which could trigger a false alarm on any security system linked to your telephone line.
Does FTTP cost more than FTTC (fibre to the cabinet)?
Although the high-end speeds offered by FTTP are more expensive, you can order more standard superfast speeds at the same price paid by FTTC customers. In short you will be paying for the speed you order, regardless of technology.
Why are some areas getting FTTP broadband?
FTTP is being provided in areas of the county where the more commonly used fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) does not provide the best outcome because of geographical or technical restrictions.
If FTTP is not available at your premises, the government has made funding available for communities which want these future-proof full fibre connections.