Types of broadband

Internet connection speed is measured as megabits-per-second (mbps) and 24mbps is considered 'superfast'. Over 95% of homes and businesses in the UK have access to superfast connections.

Broadband technology in Kent

Fibre-to-the-cabinet

Many superfast broadband connections (for example, where connections deliver a broadband speed of at least 24mbps) are delivered using fibre-to-the cabinet. This system uses the existing copper connection between your home (which was originally used to deliver telephone services) and the nearest green street cabinet. Some people can have trouble with copper connections where they are too far from the street cabinet (for example, more than 2 kilometres) to get a fast-enough service.

Fibre-to-the-premise (also known as 'full fibre' or 'gigabit capable broadband')

Fibre-to-the-premise broadband uses fibre-optic cables to connect your home to the exchange, a building where all the cables connecting an area come together, replacing the old copper connections. Full-fibre connections can deliver much faster speeds – up to one gigabit per second download – as well as faster upload speeds. While full-fibre broadband is only available to around 7% of buildings in the UK at the moment, providers are investing in building new, full-fibre networks. The government has also announced plans to deliver full fibre, or gigabit capable broadband services, to every property by 2025.

Cable

Cable broadband services are delivered over fibre to within a few hundred metres of the property with the final connection from the equipment in the street to the property being delivered by coaxial cable (television cable).

Fixed wireless

Fixed wireless broadband uses radio signals rather than cables to provide broadband connections. These signals require near ‘line of sight’ in order for properties to receive a service. Services are only available where fixed wireless broadband providers have coverage, but trees, neighbouring buildings and local topography (such as dips and rises in the local landscape) can prevent properties from receiving a service in these areas.

Mobile

You may be able to get a mobile broadband connection. The various providers have quite different coverage and you should be aware that coverage inside properties may be restricted.

Satellite

If you are unable to access a wired, fixed wireless or mobile broadband service, it is likely that you will be able to get a satellite-based broadband service.