Fibre broadband has rapidly shifted from a luxury to a necessity. Whether you're running a business, working from home, gaming online, or simply streaming in 4K, a fast and reliable internet connection is essential. In the UK, full fibre coverage is growing at an unprecedented pace - and with it, so is consumer choice.
Two of the biggest players shaping the broadband landscape in 2025 are Openreach and CityFibre. While Openreach (a BT Group company) has long dominated the market with its expansive infrastructure, CityFibre has emerged as a serious contender, rapidly rolling out its own ultrafast network in towns and cities across the UK.
But which one is better for you? Should you stick with the established reliability of Openreach, or explore the modern, symmetrical speeds CityFibre offers? In this guide, we compare the two networks in terms of coverage, speed, ISP options, and overall value, so you can make an informed choice - whether you're upgrading your home connection or reviewing your business broadband provider.
In 2025, two of the biggest players are Openreach and CityFibre. But which provider offers the best coverage, speed, and value for your needs?
What is Openreach?
Openreach is a division of BT Group that manages the vast majority of the UK's broadband infrastructure. It provides wholesale fibre services to providers like Sky, BT, TalkTalk, and Vodafone. Most homes and businesses connected to "full fibre" broadband today are likely using Openreach infrastructure.
What is CityFibre?
CityFibre is a rapidly growing alternative network (altnet) that offers its own full fibre infrastructure. It's targeting underserved cities and towns, aiming to disrupt the Openreach monopoly by offering high-speed, high-capacity connections.
Coverage in 2025
- Openreach: Covers over 80% of UK premises with FTTP (Fibre to the Premises) and continues expanding into rural areas.
- CityFibre: Available in over 285 towns and cities, with an aim to cover 8 million premises by the end of 2025.
Key Insight: If you're in a major city, there's a good chance you can choose either provider. In smaller towns or rural locations, Openreach may still be your only option.
Value & Pricing
While both networks sell access to ISPs (Internet Service Providers), the value you get depends on the ISP's pricing and packages:
- CityFibre-based ISPs (like Zen Internet, Vodafone on CityFibre):
- Often slightly cheaper or faster than equivalent Openreach deals.
- Often slightly cheaper or faster than equivalent Openreach deals.
- Openreach-based ISPs:
- Wider choice of providers.
- More bundled deals (TV, mobile, etc.)
Tip: Always check what network your ISP is using - the same brand may offer different packages on different infrastructures.
Comparison: Openreach vs CityFibre (2025)
Availability
Openreach: Most of the UK
CityFibre: Growing, strong in urban areas
Download Speeds
Openreach: Up to 900 Mbps
CityFibre: Up to 900 Mbps
Upload Speeds
Openreach: Lower for consumers
CityFibre: Symmetrical (same as download)
Openreach is best for...
- Households in rural areas
- People wanting TV + mobile bundles
- Businesses needing guaranteed availability
ISP Variety
Openreach: Broad (many providers)
CityFibre: More limited (fewer providers)
Pricing
Openreach: Competitive
CityFibre: Often slightly better value
CityFibre is best for...
- Urban businesses with high upload needs
- Remote workers or content creators
- Anyone wanting symmetrical speeds
FAQs
- Is CityFibre faster than Openreach? Both networks offer download speeds of up to 900 Mbps. However, CityFibre provides symmetrical upload and download speeds on many plans, which can be faster for uploading large files or video conferencing.
- Can I switch between CityFibre and Openreach? You can switch providers if both networks are available in your area. However, switching infrastructure may require a new installation or contract. Always check with your ISP.
- Which ISPs use CityFibre? CityFibre partners with providers like Zen Internet, Vodafone (CityFibre plan), and others. The exact ISP options depend on your location.
- Is Openreach being replaced by CityFibre? No. CityFibre is building an alternative network, but Openreach still serves the majority of UK premises. Both networks are expanding independently.
- Do both support VoIP or digital phone lines? Yes. Both Openreach and CityFibre support VoIP services as part of the UK’s move away from traditional copper phone lines.
Final Thoughts
In 2025, both Openreach and CityFibre offer excellent fibre broadband options, but your decision may come down to location and your specific needs. For symmetrical speeds and newer infrastructure, CityFibre has the edge. For broader availability and more provider choice, Openreach remains a strong contender.
Check with your preferred ISP or use a postcode checker to see which network is available to you.
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