A fast and reliable internet connection isn’t just nice to have - it’s mission-critical. Whether your team is on video calls, collaborating in the cloud, or powering customer-facing platforms, your connection needs to keep up. That’s where FTTP - Fibre to the Premises - comes in. You may have heard the term thrown around when talking about broadband upgrades, but what does it actually mean for your business?
In this article, we’ll break down the essentials of FTTP in plain English: what it is, how it works, and most importantly, how it could benefit (or not benefit) your business. We’ll cover availability, advantages, potential downsides, and help you figure out whether full fibre is the right move for your team. We’ll cover:
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What is business FTTP?
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Can my business get fibre broadband?
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How can I find out if FTTP is available for my business?
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What are the advantages of FTTP for businesses?
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What is the disadvantage of FTTP?
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What is the difference between business fibre and home fibre?
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The process for implementing FTTP
Let’s get started with…
What is business FTTP?
Business FTTP - short for Fibre to the Premises - is exactly what it sounds like: ultrafast internet delivered straight to your building via fibre optic cables. No copper wires, no bottlenecks, no compromises. Just pure, high-performance connectivity designed to meet the demands of modern business.
Unlike older broadband types like ADSL or FTTC (which still rely partly on outdated copper infrastructure), FTTP uses end-to-end fibre. That means faster speeds, better reliability, and way more bandwidth to handle everything from video calls and cloud apps to big data transfers and real-time collaboration - all at once, without breaking a sweat.
But FTTP isn’t just about speed. It’s about future-proofing your business. As your digital needs grow - more tools, more users, more data - FTTP gives you the headroom to scale without worrying that your connection will slow you down.
Can my business get fibre broadband?
Great question - and one that more and more businesses are asking. The short answer? It depends on where you’re located, but availability is expanding fast.
Business FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) means that full fibre optic cables run directly to your building - not just to the cabinet down the street. That’s what gives it the edge over older broadband types, with dramatically faster speeds and better reliability. But because it’s a newer technology, not every area is connected just yet.
To check if your business can get FTTP, start with a quick postcode check - either through your current provider or using national fibre coverage maps. As you might expect, city centres tend to have more widespread access, while some rural or outlying areas are still catching up. The good news? The UK is in the middle of a major fibre rollout, so availability is improving all the time.
Several major providers - including BT, Virgin Media, Sky, and others - offer business-grade fibre packages. It’s worth comparing what they offer in terms of speed, support, and pricing. And if you’re not sure what’s available in your area, don’t be afraid to reach out directly. Some providers even let you register interest ifthe service isn’t live yet, which can sometimes speed things up.
Bottom line: fibre might already be an option for your business, or it could be just around the corner. Either way, a quick check now could set you up with internet that’s ready for whatever comes next.
How can I find out if FTTP is available for my business?
Checking if full fibre broadband (FTTP) is available at your business location is easier than you might think - and it only takes a couple of minutes.
Start with an online fibre availability checker. Tools like BT’s FTTP Checker or Zen’s postcode lookup let you enter your address or phone number to see what’s on offer in your area. These tools will tell you if your premises can currently get FTTP, which providers are available, and what kind of speeds you can expect.
If the results say your location is “accepting orders,” that’s great news - it means full fibre is ready to go, and you can start the upgrade process right away. From there, you can reach out to your preferred broadband provider to compare packages and arrange installation.
So, before you assume you’re stuck with slow internet, give one of those checkers a try. You might be just a few clicks away from a much faster connection.
What are the advantages of FTTP for businesses?
When it comes to business internet, speed and reliability aren’t just nice-to-haves - they’re non-negotiables. That’s where FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) really delivers.
1. Seriously fast speeds - and no slowdowns.
FTTP offers ultrafast internet straight to your premises, meaning no more bottlenecks, buffering, or painfully slow uploads. Whether your team’s sharing large files, hosting video calls, or working in cloud apps all day, everything just runs smoother. The result? Less waiting around and more getting things done.
2. Bandwidth that grows with your business.
As your company scales, so does the demand on your network. FTTP has the bandwidth to support multiple devices, users, and high-demand applications - all at once. It’s a solution that doesn’t just meet today’s needs, but tomorrow’s too.
3. Made for the cloud.
From file sharing and collaboration tools to cloud-based CRMs and virtual desktops, business today lives online. FTTP provides the stability and speed these tools need to run reliably, keeping your team connected and your operations seamless.
4. Better built-in security.
Fibre cables are harder to tap and less prone to signal interference than copper lines, making FTTP a more secure option for transmitting sensitive data. That’s a big win for businesses handling confidential information or operating under strict compliance requirements.
5. A foundation for the future.
FTTP gives you a future-ready connection that supports new tools, services, and ways of working as they emerge.
6. A smart investment.
Yes, FTTP might come with a higher monthly cost than standard broadband. But the long-term payoff is real: smoother operations, less downtime, happier staff, and better customer experiences. It’s the kind of upgrade that pays for itself in productivity.
What is the disadvantage of FTTP?
FTTP brings a lot to the table - but like any tech investment, it’s not without a few caveats. Before jumping in, it’s worth understanding where the limitations might lie.
1. It can be more expensive upfront.
Installing FTTP isn’t always as simple as plugging in a router. In some cases, new infrastructure needs to be laid, especially if your premises hasn’t had fibre before. That can mean higher installation costs. On top of that, the monthly fees can be a bit steeper than traditional broadband, especially for business-grade packages.
2. It’s not available everywhere (yet).
While FTTP coverage is growing rapidly across the UK, it’s still not universal. As of now, over half of UK premises can access it - and if your business is in a rural or industrial area, availability might be limited or delayed. That could put your upgrade plans on pause, depending on where you're based.
3. You might share bandwidth.
In some FTTP setups, especially those marketed as “shared” or “contended,” your bandwidth may be split with nearby users. That means your speeds could dip during peak usage times. It’s not usually a dealbreaker - especially with business-grade plans - but it’s something to check when comparing providers.
The bottom line:
FTTP offers powerful benefits, but it’s smart to weigh them against these considerations. Cost, coverage, and performance expectations should all factor into your decision, and the right managed IT partner can help you navigate those trade-offs with confidence.
What is the difference between business fibre and home fibre?
At first glance, business and home fibre might seem like the same thing - after all, they both use ultra-fast fibre optic cables. But under the surface, they’re built for very different purposes.
Business fibre is designed with performance and reliability in mind. You’re more likely to get a dedicated line, guaranteed speeds, and a rock-solid connection even during peak hours. Most business fibre plans also come with Service Level Agreements (SLAs), which means faster fixes, higher uptime guarantees, and priority support when something goes wrong.
Home fibre, on the other hand, is a shared service - great for streaming Netflix or joining Zoom calls, but it can get bogged down when lots of users are online. It’s generally cheaper, but you won’t get the same level of support or consistency as with a business-grade connection.
So, while home fibre might technically work for a small team with light internet needs, business fibre is built for businesses that depend on their connection to stay productive.
The process for implementing FTTP
Once you’ve decided to upgrade to FTTP, here’s how the process typically unfolds - and what to expect along the way:
1. Check availability.
The first step is confirming whether FTTP is available at your location. You can do this through providers directly or with the help of a broadband specialist. If your site qualifies, you’re ready to move forward.
2. Choose the right package.
Different businesses have different bandwidth needs. Whether you’re a lean team handling cloud-based apps or a larger operation moving serious data every day, there’s a plan that fits. Compare providers, speeds, SLAs, and support options to find the right match.
3. Place the order and schedule installation.
Once you’ve picked a provider and plan, the installation process begins. The provider will handle the physical setup, which could involve bringing fibre cables into your building. It’s smart to loop in your internal IT team or a consultant to ensure everything’s configured correctly.
4. Prepare for the switchover.
There may be some brief disruption as the new service goes live - so plan accordingly. Scheduling installation outside of peak business hours (or over a weekend) can help keep things running smoothly.
5. Go live and optimise.
Once FTTP is up and running, you should notice an immediate difference in speed and stability. But don’t stop there - keep monitoring performance and usage to make sure you’re getting the most from your new connection.
Conclusion
Deciding whether to upgrade to business FTTP comes down to what your company needs most - whether that’s faster communication, stronger data security, or simply a more reliable way to keep pace with today’s digital demands.
FTTP isn’t just about speed; it’s about creating the kind of infrastructure that supports growth, flexibility, and innovation. And with a growing number of providers offering tailored business packages, it’s easier than ever to find a solution that fits your goals and your budget.
As with any major decision, it pays to weigh the upfront costs against the long-term value. The right connection can improve productivity, customer experience, and even employee satisfaction - all of which contribute to your bottom line.
So if you’re ready to future-proof your operations, now’s a great time to explore what FTTP could do for your business.
Interested in finding out more? Get in touch with our team today to see how we can get you up and running.
