In the digital world, it is paramount for your business to have high-speed, reliable internet provision. But when it comes to selecting the right internet technology for you, where do you start? You may come across numerous acronyms and terminology that don't really mean anything to you, but we are here to help.
Two of the fastest and most reliable broadband technologies are FTTP - which uses full fibre - and GFast. In this article, we will unpick what these two technologies actually are, how they differ, and which may be the better option for your business.
What is GFast?
GFast is an ultrafast broadband technology which uses existing copper cable used in Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC) broadband. What makes GFast technology quicker is a clever device fitted to the fibre cabinet. This device increases the speed of transfer through the copper cable. The result is a more reliable, ultrafast broadband service.
GFast could be a great solution if your business:
Uses video conferencing,
Utilises cloud applications,
Downloads/uploads large files,
Takes regular card payments.
What is full-fibre (FTTP)?
Full-fibre, or Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) broadband is becoming one of the most popular technologies available on the market. There are a number of advantages of fibre broadband for businesses, which uses fibre-optic cables to deliver ultrafast data. Primarily, internet users experience quicker upload and download speeds compared to traditional broadband technology. No more delays, buffering or crashing - just a smooth, reliable experience for your colleagues and customers.
FTTP has transformed the business broadband market. Prior to fibre internet provision, standard business broadband looked very different. The most-used, older broadband known as Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line, or ADSL, uses existing copper telephone lines. Interference or signal issues can affect copper based infrastructure. FTTP has removed the business risk associated with copper cables, and instead provides a reliable and robust service for your operations.
What is the difference between GFast and full-fibre?
So, GFast or full-fibre - what is the difference and which is the best option? When considering which broadband technology to use for your business, there are a number of factors to consider, including speed, reliability, infrastructure requirements, and cost.
Speed
The fastest broadband available on the market is full-fibre, hands down. While GFast may be faster than FTTC broadband, it does not match up to the speed of FTTP. This full-fibre technology has around five times faster download speeds, and over twice faster upload speeds than GFast.
As a result of this speed, your business can benefit from crisp and clear connections, flawless streaming and ultrafast access/upload of files. And this goes for all devices connected to the internet at that time, with a larger capacity for users and devices compared to GFast. Faster broadband speed equals greater productivity for your business.
Reliability
It is undeniable that full-fibre is more reliable than GFast. By installing a whole new infrastructure, full-fibre internet providers have created an internet solution which is not open to the interference experienced with older technologies, like loss of signal. As above, GFast relies upon the existing infrastructure of FTTC copper cables. These are ultimately not as reliable as fibre technology.
Infrastructure requirements
This is where GFast can shine for many businesses. While FTTP is the future of business broadband, it may be that the technology is not currently offered within your area of operation. GFast is much more accessible, utilising existing FTTC infrastructure. If your business is located near a cabinet, and full-fibre is not available, this will be the best option for you.
Future-proofing
Standard business broadband, ADSL, uses copper telephone wires, and will soon be a thing of the past. With the purchase of new traditional phone lines being phased out from September 2023, we are moving to a digital world. While full-fibre may be at the forefront of the market, it will take some time to roll out across the country.
You can best future-proof your business by accessing the most up to date technology available on the market. This may look different depending on your geographic location, but GFast is the next best option where full-fibre is not available.
Cost
The speed and reliability of full-fibre does not necessarily come cheap. FTTP involves the installation of fibre-optic cable directly from the exchange to your business’ front door. The higher monthly price reflects this additional infrastructure and installation expenses.
As GFast uses existing copper infrastructure, the associated cost of installing this broadband is a cheaper option for your business.
Full fibre offers clear and crisp connections, but it is considered somewhat unreliable compared to Gfast.
Does GFast need a phone line?
If your business opts for GFast broadband, you will not require a phone line for the installation. However, GFast technology supports digital phone lines, meaning that you can plug a telephone into your broadband and make calls.
As part of the UK digital phone line upgrade, traditional telephone line purchases have been discontinued since September 2023. We therefore recommend that you order a digital phone line alongside your broadband provision to future-proof your business.
Is your business GFast ready?
Upgrading your business broadband opens up many benefits. Of course you want a smooth, fast and reliable internet experience for your colleagues and customers. But which upgrade is right for you?
When choosing a broadband technology, you should consider:
what current infrastructure does your business have in place,
what processes and services do you use which rely upon internet connectivity,
where do you envisage your business heading in the future, in terms of growth.
It may be that service provision and infrastructure where you operate limits the technology available to your business, so it is worth researching your options fully.
This is where BTT Comms can help. We support businesses to make the transition to an upgraded business broadband service, helping you to find the best solution for your business needs. Contact our team to find out how we can help you to take the leap into greater business internet connectivity.