The UK’s transition to full fibre broadband, also known as FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) from traditional copper or partial-fibre internet has been one of the most significant infrastructure projects of the past decade. The Project Gigabit, which was officially announced in March 2021, aims to provide fast and reliable gigabit-capable internet across the country, including its hard to reach communities. This article will look at the progress of the project as well as the challenges.
How far has the rollout come?
Across the UK, full fibre availability has expanded rapidly over the past few years. Official reporting indicates that, as of late 2025, around 80% of all homes and businesses now have access to FTTP, while overall gigabit-capable broadband coverage is higher still when cable and other technologies are included. This represents a significant improvement compared to the early 2020s, when full fibre was still very limited to major cities. However, Project Gigabit still has a way to go, aiming for 99% country coverage by 2032.
The rollout infrastructure has been primarily dominated by the largest industry players, including Openreach and CityFibre, covering wholesale full fibre networks across dozens of towns and cities. When it comes to specific broadband providers in the UK, however, the choices have been quickly expanding beyond well-known brands, as consumers are increasingly comparing services to find the best options for their location.
Regional disparities and market dynamics
Although national averages show encouraging figures, regional variation remains. For instance, Northern Ireland boasts some of the highest FTTP availability, measuring at above 95%. Rural England and parts of Scotland, on the other hand, lag behind the UK average.
Interestingly, the market in these areas is increasingly diversified. While large operators account for much of the headline coverage growth, alternative network providers, commonly known as altnets, have become especially important in rural and semi-rural parts of the UK. These providers often focus on smaller geographic areas, offering competitive pricing packages.
In rural England, Wales and Scotland, altnets have delivered better full fibre options to villages, farms and market towns. By engaging directly with local residents and councils, many have been able to build demand before deployment, improving commercial viability. In fact, altnets are responsible for over 44% of the UK’s full fibre premises, contributing to faster rollouts across the country.
Government intervention has also supported this approach. Through Project Gigabit, public funding is targeted at the hardest-to-reach premises, with alternative providers frequently awarded contracts to deliver networks in remote locations. This combination of private investment and public subsidy has been highly beneficial in narrowing the divide between rural and urban connectivity.
The final push towards full fibre Britain
The UK’s full fibre rollout is well advanced, but the final stages will certainly be the most complex. Reaching the remaining rural and hard-to-serve premises will require targeted investment and efficient cooperation with the local councils and regulatory bodies. However, if the momentum of the recent years is to be maintained, full fibre rollout will become a reality for communities across the UK by 2032, both urban and rural.
