The two main alternatives to FTTC broadband are ADSL and FTTP. Here, we compare FTTC to both to help you understand the differences and which choice may be the best for your business broadband.
FTTC
As explained in depth in our guide ‘What is FTTC broadband and how does it work?’ [add link]? FTTC is a broadband connection called Fibre to the Cabinet and connects homes and businesses to fibre optic broadband via copper wires.
Speeds depend on your distance from the exchange and it can be a very cost effective broadband option for small and medium sized businesses.
What’s the difference between FTTC and ADSL?
ADSL
ADSL stands for Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line and works through copper wires in existing phone lines. It is popular for home broadband as it’s reliable, but can also be used for small businesses who don’t require super fast speeds.
| Differences | FTTC | ADSL |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | More that 95% UK coverage | More that 99% UK coverage |
| Line type | Fibre optic | Asymmetric |
| Speed | Up to 80Mbps | Up to 24Mbps |
| Price | Very affordable | Very affordable |
| Distance | Speeds affected by distance to a BT exchange | Speeds affected by distance to a BT exchange |
Whilst the maximum speeds for FTTC are much faster than ADSL, they both depend on the distance from the exchange, and FTTC speeds will drop around 2-3 km, whereas ADSL drop at around 5-6 km.
When choosing for your business, it would be advised to check your location and the expected speeds for both types of broadband before you make any decisions on which line will be best for your needs.
What’s the difference between FTTC and FTTP?
FTTP
FTTP broadband (Fibre to the Premises), utilises the latest fibre optic technology to ensure superfast broadband speeds across multiple devices working at once.
FTTP benefits from fibre all the way to the premise so speeds can be faster, however, this is still a contended service so speeds will vary based on the number of users in the area.
| Differences | FTTC | FTTP |
|---|---|---|
| Accessibility | More that 95% UK coverage | Over 600,000 premises and growing |
| Line type | Fibre optic | Fibre optic |
| Speed | Up to 80Mbps | Up to 1Gbps |
| Price | Very affordable | Premium price for ultrafast speeds |
| Distance | Speeds affected by distance to a BT exchange | Unaffected; installations occur near sites where there is demand |
Your provider can check availability in your area, and availability is increasing year on year as more businesses demand superfast broadband.
Which is right for your business?
This will always become a choice based on a combination of availability, required speeds, and budget. Our advisors can discuss the best options for your own business, based on your location and specific requirements.
To discuss FTTC, ADSL or FTTP, please call us on 01256 391 046 or fill in our enquiry form. We have worked with a huge range of businesses – small, medium and large – and have the expertise to provide you with the best deal.
