Mobile Broadband

Mobile Broadband

Superfast Broadband

Nowadays there is a lot of talk about 'superfast broadband' and its implications for everyday users, but with all the jargon - optical fibre, FTTC, FTTH and so on - it is easy to get confused and lose sight of what actually constitutes superfast broadband. By reading this quick guide, you should gain a better understanding of the medium and the faster future it promises.

What exactly is 'superfast broadband'?

The terms superfast broadband refers to the next generation of broadband connections, which use purpose-built fibre optic cables to transmit data between homes and the internet, rather than the old ADSL connections which use standard copper telephone wire.

Why is it faster?

The capacity of fibre optic cable is much larger than that of copper wire, meaning that more information (data) can be passed along it, and at a greater rate. Unlike ADSL, new superfast broadband uses the cable, not telephone, network. It bypasses the BT exchange completely, meaning that the speeds it can provide are potentially much higher than those offered by standard connections, hence the name 'superfast broadband'.

Who benefits from it?

Superfast broadband is great for people who use their internet connections a lot, but it doesn't just ensure smoother surfing. It's essential for those who want to transfer lots of data, for example downloading music and movies, or sending pictures to loved ones.

Will it get faster?

Yes. Broadband changes all the time and just three years ago, articles about 'superfast broadband' were referring to speeds of 8Mb - which is a fairly mid-range speed today.
Investment in superfast broadband continues apace, with Virgin Media currently implementing plans to bring 50Mb broadband to UK homes. The hope is that one day, every home in the country will be equipped with superfast broadband, enjoying speeds between 100Mb and 1Gbps.

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