Looking for the fastest broadband deals on the market? Gigabit broadband is likely to be the best option for you.
These packages provide ultrafast download speeds in excess of 1Gbps. In fact, there's currently an option from EE that offers average download speeds of a whopping 1.6Gbps. This is the fastest widely available package on the market at the moment.
But, exactly what are gigabit broadband packages, how do they work and do you really need one? This guide reveals all.
What is gigabit internet?
A gigabit internet connection is one which is capable of offering average download speeds of at least 1Gbps - which is the same as 1,000Mbps. In other words, really, really fast internet.
Many people consider gigabit internet to be the future of broadband. However, it does remain the future at the moment. Even though the availability of gigabit-capable broadband is improving rapidly, these connections still aren't widely available and they're only offered by certain providers.
For example, most providers that use the Openreach network, such as Sky, can only provide packages that offer average download speeds of 900Mbps. These are rapid, but they technically fall short of the gigabit mark.
How does gigabit internet work?
Gigabit internet is delivered in a similar manner to fibre and ADSL broadband. However, in order to get these huge speeds, it requires a 'Full Fibre' or 'fibre-to-the-premises' connection.
With this type of connection, fibre-optic lines (which are capable of sending data at light speed) run directly from your nearest broadband exchange to your property. As such, there aren't any disruptions or limitations (like what you can get with ADSL and FTTC connections).
In addition, some ISPs with independent networks - such as Virgin Media and Hyperoptic - can also offer gigabit speeds via their own cables. Virgin is also slightly different as it uses its own network of 'coaxial cables', which work in a similar way to fibre-optic ones.
If you'd like to learn more about the different broadband types available in the UK right now, check out our guide here.
What speeds does gigabit internet offer?
As mentioned above, gigabit internet gives average download speeds of around 1Gbps or 1,000Mbps. You also may encounter some tariffs that are classed as 'gigabit broadband' if their average download speeds are between 900Mbps and 1,000Mbps, this is because the 'Full Fibre' connections they use can theoretically reach gigabit speeds.
However, there are some exceptions to this and some ISPs can offer broadband deals that are faster than 1Gbps. The main example of this is Virgin Media's top 'Gig1' tariff, which offers average download speeds of 1,130Mbps. This was the fastest package you can get in the UK from a leading and nationwide ISP, but now you can also get ‘blistering speeds’ of 1,600Mbps from EE’s new 1.6Gbps plan.
Although, if you live in London, you can get a mighty 3Gbps connection from independent provider Community Fibre - but this is exclusive to selected boroughs across the UK capital.
We also shouldn't ignore upload speeds, as these also tend to be quite high with gigabit broadband connections. Even those that come under the 1,000Mbps average download speed threshold can still give upload speeds in excess of 100Mbps. Some can also offer ‘symmetrical speeds’ where the upload and download speeds are the same.
To give you a greater sense of perspective here, the UK industry regulator Ofcom's latest broadband report, which was revealed in September 2023, says that as of March 2023, the average download speed for home broadband connections in the UK was 69.4 Mbps. Even though this is an increase of 17% compared to March 2022, it's still significantly slower than what gigabit broadband can deliver.
How reliable is gigabit internet?
Thanks mainly to the big speeds and the use of fibre-optic and/or coaxial cables, gigabit internet is one of the most reliable broadband types out there right now.
The direct-to-property cables prevent drops in performance that you may otherwise have with older, less-dependable copper cables that you get with FTTC and ADSL broadband. This is because copper cables are limited by the amount of data they can send and their broadband speeds are affected by their distance from the broadband and telephone exchange serving your property. What's more, fibre and coaxial cables are more durable and are less likely to get damaged and suffer from wear and tear, which can lead to performance issues.
Direct cables also don't tend to have as many issues with lag when compared to satellite broadband and 4G and 5G broadband. This is because they won't be affected by external circumstances such as poor weather and a weak signal strength.
Lastly, with the big/symmetrical download and upload speeds, gigabit broadband can comfortably handle high intensity usage from many different devices at once, all while maintaining a quality connection for each user. In turn, this can make people more productive when working online.
What can you do online with gigabit internet?
The possibilities are almost endless with gigabit internet in terms of downloads, streaming and browsing, but the big speeds make it especially good for:
- Online gaming - as the chance of lag is significantly reduced.
- Streaming in UHD - even on multiple devices at once you'll get 4K.
- Using the cloud - any online storage can be quickly accessed and utilised.
- Home working - you can Zoom, download and browse without issues.
- Using VR - the reduced latency and fast speeds improve the experience.
- Operating a connected household - from security cameras, to smart speakers, automated lights and more, they’ll all run seamlessly.
Where can I get gigabit internet?
According to Ofcom's most recent data - and as of its summer 2023 'Connected Nations' report - the number of homes across the UK that can access gigabit-capable internet via a 'Full Fibre' or cable connection is 22.4 million, which is around 75% of all properties. But if we just look at 'Full Fibre' in isolation it's around 52% of homes.
These figures are steadily continuing to rise and network operators including Openreach and Virgin Media have issued targets to make gigabit broadband available to 99% of properties by 2030.
However, this lack of a widespread rollout is one of the downsides to gigabit-broadband, as ultimately it's not as accessible as some other types. This is perhaps most noticeable when compared to fibre broadband, which can be accessed by 97% of the UK.
If you are interested in getting a gigabit broadband deal, the best thing to do is find the best broadband deals with these 900-1,000+Mbps speeds and then go to the provider to see if their network has reached your location, or if your property can be connected to it.
Which ISPs offer gigabit broadband?
Using our best broadband deals guide and our widget at the bottom of this page we can show you a selection of UK ISPs that currently have gigabit and gigabit-capable packages available.
However, to give you a top-level overview, here's a selection of popular providers where you can find tariffs with speeds ranging from 900 to 1,000+Mbps:
- Virgin Media - Gig1 - 1,130Mbps
- BT Broadband - Full Fibre 900 - 900+Mbps
- Sky Broadband - Gigfast - 900+Mbps
- Vodafone - Full Fibre - 910Mbps
- Hyperoptic - Hyperfast - 900+Mbps
- EE - Full Fibre Max Gigabit - 900+Mbps and its 1.6Gbps bundle
- Shell Energy - Full Fibre 900 - 944Mbps
- Plusnet - Full Fibre 900 - 900Mbps
A tip to remember here is that aside from independent cable providers like Virgin and Hyperoptic, most ISPs use the Openreach network, so will invariably offer similar speeds across their broadband packages - they'll just be packaged up and priced differently.
Gigabit internet and gigabit broadband: FAQs
To give you some additional insights into gigabit broadband, here are some of the frequently asked questions people have about it:
Do you need special tech for gigabit internet?
On the most part, the technology involved is the same as most broadband types in that you'll need a router, some connectors and possibly a modem. The difference is you'll likely need a modern router that's capable of handling and distributing WiFi at these big speeds. However, your provider will probably give you this as part of the deal.
Another point to note is that you may have some WiFi connectivity issues or you might not be able to get the fastest speeds if you're using older devices.
Are there any other incentives to get gigabit broadband?
Yes. The UK government has pledged £5bn as part of its 'Project Gigabit' programme. This project aims to bring gigabit-capable broadband to all areas of the country.
At the moment, there's also a voucher scheme available that helps certain households cover the costs of installing the broadband in their properties. If you're interested then you can find out more about it here.
Do you always get a gigabit connection?
Like with any type of broadband, the speeds you're advertised aren't the speeds that you are guaranteed to receive. Instead, the speeds you're advertised are an 'average'. The speeds you'll receive are affected by factors such as:
- The number of people using the internet.
- The quality of your router and your distance from it.
- Whether or not you're using a wired connection to the router.
- Technical issues with the provider.
Do all UK new build homes get gigabit internet?
Only in England. In January 2023 the UK Department for Digital, Culture, Media, and Sport (DCMS) announced amendments to the country's 'Building Regulations 2010'. As a result, all new homes in England must now be built with gigabit broadband connections in place.
Is gigabit internet expensive?
Gigabit broadband is usually the most expensive form of broadband and it's not uncommon for the quickest packages to cost £50+. That said, you can usually find good deals if you shop around and many providers offer incentives if you sign up for quicker packages such as gigabit-capable ones.
Is gigabit broadband the same as 'ultrafast broadband'?
It depends on the ISP. You might find some providers categorising their gigabit broadband under an 'ultrafast' description and this is now widely accepted as referring to the fastest deals they offer.
By comparison, the slower ADSL speeds are usually referred to as 'standard' broadband, while fibre is 'superfast'. If you're ever in any doubt, simply ask the provider when you're enquiring about a deal.
Should I get gigabit internet?
Knowing whether or not gigabit internet is the right choice for you really depends on your budget. As if you're prepared to spend a bit more for seamless, future-proofed and reliable broadband then getting these ultrafast speeds is a no brainer.
That said, if you have older tech at home, you might want to check whether these pieces of equipment are compatible before you make any decisions.
Plus, if you're looking for something more affordable, it's worth remembering that you can still get decent and fast speeds in mid-range packages and these will still support the demands of busy households and businesses.
Is gigabit internet worth it?
In short, it depends. Like we’ve said above, if you have high internet usage, you want to have a dependable connection and you can afford it, it seems a worthwhile choice. At the same time, if you live in a smaller household with lower internet use, opting for a cheaper fibre broadband deal should fit the bill and be a better use of your money.
Where to get your next gigabit broadband deal
As we’ve mentioned earlier, our best broadband deals page will show you what gigabit internet packages are available right now. But, feel free to make the most of our widget below - just enter your postcode and it will show you exactly what's available in your area.
Other than this, you may wish to go directly to your current provider and see if you can upgrade or move to a gigabit broadband deal. It might also be worth waiting for them to release their promotional offers if you want to get some extras or bring your monthly costs down a bit.
