Millions of Brits are set for a huge broadband boost. The UK has reportedly just achieved a significant milestone, reaching nationwide coverage of 85% gigabit broadband coverage.
This means that the majority of the UK now reportedly enjoys internet speeds of at least one gigabit per second (1Gbps). This achievement fulfils a government target set in 2018 to improve UK connectivity New data from thinkbroadband.com confirms the 85 percent milestone and identifies the UK areas that have also reached the 85 percent target.
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The research reveals that 425 of the UK’s 650 constituencies now have gigabit coverage of 85 percent or higher. If you don’t currently have gigabit internet, Openreach’s online tool can show if there are plans available in your area.
However, if you want gigabit and don’t already have it, you’ll need to switch broadband providers, reports the Express.
Many broadband providers piggyback off the Openreach network, under BT’s umbrella, but there are alternatives worth scoping out for savvier deals. Make sure to do your homework on what speeds you’re genuinely getting, because despite all the chatter about ‘fast’ broadband, it’s often not hitting that 1Gbps gold standard.
“It is a great achievement that much of the UK now has this level of Gigabit coverage, and this a massive step change compared to the older part-fibre cabinet solutions,” commented Andrew Ferguson, the head honcho at thinkbroadband.com. “Gigabit speeds mean households no longer need to worry about what others in the home are doing when taking part in a video call, or if someone starts to update their games console while the parents are watching a film.”
But mind, we’re nattering about hardwired fibre internet here—not 4G or 5G home broadband, which relies on mobile data signals to funnel Wi-Fi into our cribs and businesses.
“Switching from older part fibre services to full fibre should also see services become more reliable as issues such as rain getting into old copper wiring will become a thing of the past,” Ferguson added.
“It’s also worth noting that switching providers is now much easier due to the One Touch Switch (OTS) system, which means people save money by not having to pay the old 30-day notice period and will have their old broadband service available right up until the new service is installed and running.”
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