Ofcom Report 2024: Full-Fibre Broadband Reaches Nearly 70% of UK Homes

Ofcom Report 2024 Full-Fibre Broadband Reaches Nearly 70% of UK Homes

Post author:patrakar.pancholi
Post published:December 5, 2024
Post category:technology
Post last modified:December 5, 2024

Ofcom Report 2024: Full-fibre broadband has reached a remarkable milestone in the UK, with 69% of households now having access to it, according to Ofcom’s latest Connected Nations Report 2024. This leap from 57% in September 2023 highlights significant progress in broadband infrastructure. With over 20 million UK homes now connected, full-fibre broadband is redefining connectivity with its faster and more reliable fibre-optic technology.

A Major Step Towards Gigabit Broadband Goals

Full-fibre broadband, which uses fibre-optic cables all the way to homes instead of traditional copper lines, is capable of delivering lightning-fast gigabit speeds. According to Ofcom, the Government’s ambitious target of covering 85% of the UK with gigabit-capable broadband by 2025 is on track to being achieved.

However, the report also highlights a gap between the availability of full-fibre connections and actual user adoption. Currently, 35% of UK households – approximately 7.5 million homes – have subscribed to full-fibre services. Adoption rates are particularly high in rural areas, showcasing a growing interest in faster broadband options.

Ofcom Report 2024: Broadband Speeds Reach New Highs

With more people shifting to higher-speed broadband packages, Ofcom reports that the UK’s average maximum download speed has risen from 170Mbps in 2023 to an impressive 223Mbps in 2024. This improvement underscores the growing importance of reliable internet for everyday tasks like streaming, remote work, and online shopping.

Natalie Black, Ofcom’s networks and communications group director, stated: “It’s a record-breaking year for broadband in the UK. Whether running a business or streaming your favourite programmes, reliable broadband is more accessible than ever.”

5G and Satellite Broadband on the Rise

In addition to full-fibre broadband, the report highlights significant growth in mobile 5G networks. Now accounting for more than 20% of monthly mobile data traffic, 5G technology is increasingly available across the UK.

Another noteworthy trend is the rise in satellite-based broadband connections. In 2024, Elon Musk’s Starlink network connected 87,000 UK households – more than doubling the 42,000 connections recorded in 2023. These satellite connections, primarily serving rural areas, provide an alternative for regions with limited fibre-optic infrastructure.

Ofcom’s Connected Nations Report 2024: Key Highlights

Metric	Details
Full-Fibre Coverage	69% of UK homes, up from 57% in 2023
Adoption Rate	35% (7.5 million homes)
Average Download Speeds	Increased to 223Mbps from 170Mbps
5G Mobile Usage	Accounts for over 20% of monthly mobile data traffic
Satellite Broadband Uptake	Starlink connections reached 87,000 in 2024, up from 42,000 in 2023

Ofcom Report 2024: Rapid Transformation

The UK’s broadband landscape is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by full-fibre adoption, rising mobile 5G usage, and satellite broadband expansion. These developments not only boost connectivity but also ensure more households and businesses can access the digital world with ease. With further advancements expected in 2025, the UK is well on its way to becoming a global leader in digital connectivity.