On 6th July 2020, Openreach announced that 80,000 homes and businesses across Edinburgh can now access super-fast, full fibre broadband using FTTP technology, helping the city bounce back following the COVID-19 pandemic.

What is FTTP?

Fibre to the Premises or ‘FTTP’ delivers a complete fibre broadband connection directly to a site for increased speeds and reliable connection. FTTC (Fibre to the Cabinet) delivers a fibre connection to the green cabinets located on the street, with a copper network then connecting the cabinet to the premise. FTTP removes the need for a copper-based network, providing future-proof connectivity. This supports plans to close the copper-based network across the rest of the UK by 2025 as previously announced by BT.

Bouncing back from COVID-19

Openreach announced that the super-fast, ultra-reliable fibre technology is now available across Edinburgh in locations including Abbeyhill, Corstorphine, Davidson’s Mains, Newington, Fairemilehead, Fountainbridge and Liberton, with most of the build also complete in Colinton, Granton, Leith and Morningside.

With lockdown now easing across England and Scotland, engineers are now returning to work to complete further areas of the city including Stockbridge and the West End, Craiglockhard and Portobello. Plans are also in place to begin upgrades later this year in Maybury, West Edinburgh and the city centre’s Waverley exchange area.

Openreach’s Partnership Director of Scotland, Robert Thorburn relayed his thanks to The City of Edinburgh Council for their support in the full fibre rollout, adding that connectivity has been vital for city businesses, home workers and families during lockdown.

“Our rollout in Edinburgh offers these 80,000 homes and businesses access to the fastest, most reliable broadband available anywhere in the UK. That gives the city an economic edge for the recovery – so I’d urge people to check if they can upgrade now.”

Robert Thorburn, Partnership Director of Scotland

Economical benefits to fibre broadband

Full fibre broadband provides more reliable, resilient, and future-proof connectivity for businesses and homes with fewer faults. Connectivity is more predictable, speeds are enhanced, and capacity can comfortably meet growing data requirements.

Openreach also commented on the economic benefits of full fibre, advising that recent research suggests that connecting everyone in Scotland to full fibre broadband would create a £4.5 billion economic boost, helping 37,000 more people to access employment. This reduces pressure of transport, housing, and supports the development of home working.

“The last few months have really reminded us how much we rely on good broadband for home working and staying connected with our loved ones. But we’re lucky to have a high-speed network in Edinburgh, one which has helped thousands of people to access the information and services they need and to effectively run businesses from home.”
‍
Adam McVey, City of Edinburgh Council Leader

Openreach has now updated it’s plans to make fibre technology available to 4.5 million homes and businesses across the UK by the end of March 2021, with continued builds across other areas of Scotland including parts of Greater Glasgow, Kilmarnock, Ayr and Stanecastle in Ayrshire, Aberdeen, Bathgate, Broxburn and Whitburn in West Lothian.

How do I get fibre broadband?

Many families across the UK have been struggling with their broadband throughout the Coronavirus pandemic. FTTP can dramatically increase internet speeds for streaming, downloading, and working from home which has been vital in the current economic climate.

Fibre optic high-speed connectivity is currently available to approximately 10% of the UK, covering 2.5 million properties. Telecoms World can review your current location for connectivity and provide alternative connection options if an existing fibre path to your premise does not exist.

For more information on how we can help you increase your broadband speeds, contact our team of experts on 0800 774 7772. Alternatively, receive your instant connectivity quote.

‍