As the business landscape goes more digital, so does our reliance on internet connectivity. Now, companies consider adopting new technologies as more than just a means to gain a competitive edge—they also look at it as a necessity for everything from communication and e-commerce to accessing the cloud.
Without the internet, they’re deprived of productivity and profit. That’s why it’s no surprise that in the UK, internet failures cost businesses over £3.7 billion in 2023. Around 15% of companies, roughly 81,000 more than in 2018, start losing money the moment their connection gives out. SMEs experience the most disruption, but the hospitality, IT, and manufacturing sectors lose the most profit.
If your own business recently experienced internet failures, it may be time to reconsider your broadband plan and ensure the long-term viability of your operations. That’s where full fibre broadband can help. Here’s a quick guide on everything from its benefits to tips on choosing the right plan for you.
Understanding full fibre broadband
Full fibre or fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) is an internet connection stretching from a service provider directly to a home or office. That differentiates it from traditional partial fibre or fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC), which runs from a provider to a telephone cabinet (usually found on the street you’re on) before connecting to you. This directness allows for faster and more reliable browsing speeds.
Another factor that allows FTTP to provide these benefits is the kind of wire full fibre providers use. Unlike FTTC, which uses dated copper wires that are prone to malfunction, FTTP only uses optical fibre cables made of glass or plastic. These use light signals to facilitate high-speed data transmissions with minimal loss, even over long distances—making them more beneficial for internet connectivity.
Benefits for businesses
Cost-effectiveness
Though it’s true that full fibre broadband can be expensive upfront, it can actually be the more cost-effective, long-term option. It’s more durable than copper-wire FTTC and requires less maintenance, and its more reliable connections can prevent further profit losses from downtime. FTTP even allows you to future-proof your business’ internet connectivity. For one, the UK’s copper wires will be replaced soon. Brands like BT’s Openreach are completely shutting down their copper networks for both telephone and broadband by 2025 and plan to replace them with optical fibre. FTTP networks are also entirely scalable, meaning they can grow with your business without you having to pay for additional internet infrastructure. Ultimately, full fibre connections can minimise your costs to the benefit of your bottom line.
Improved productivity
Full fibre provides faster and more symmetrical connections, matching your download and upload speeds so your business can do more on a single network. With an internet connection that can accommodate multiple devices and applications without lag, your entire organisation can quickly accomplish multiple tasks—regardless of whether they’re retrieving or uploading large files or collaborating via video call. One of the advantages of full fibre is tailoring the connection to your organisation’s needs. The full fibre business broadband plans on Zzoomm showcase how you can get solutions specifically designed to streamline your operations. That can include a modern WiFi 6 hub for better data capacity, faster browsing speeds, and a seamless network that doesn’t require multiple passwords to access. You’ll even have the option to get dedicated broadband so your business doesn’t share a line with other companies, further enhancing FTTP’s ability to increase organisational productivity.
Enhanced online security
It’s always best to implement the best cybersecurity practices and leverage dedicated safety solutions. However, that’s not all you can do to keep company data safe. Using full fibre broadband means you’ll get an additional layer of protection because the light signals its wires use are nearly impossible to track or hack. Some optical fibre cable manufacturers take it even further by creating variants they claim to be hack-proof. Just look at the Apriori Network System: its optical fibre solution can independently defend itself from unauthorised access. These capabilities can greatly enhance the cost-effectiveness and productivity benefits FTTP already offers businesses.
Choosing a full fibre business broadband provider
When selecting an FTTP service provider, it’s great to start looking at those with plans that are within your budget. To get the most out of your investment, you can also ensure it provides the benefits described above alongside additional features. Aside from looking at companies that offer gigafast, symmetrical speeds, for example, choose a plan that comes with free installation and setup alongside responsive customer services. You can also leverage connections compatible with modern technologies you want to adopt, like Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP. Other additional features you may want to look for in your provider include business-centred cybersecurity options and advanced connectivity services like access to cloud storage.
Claiming full fibre broadband as a business expense
In most cases, you cannot claim full fibre broadband as a business expense. That’s because, unlike itemised phone bills that can differentiate between personal and work calls, internet use is paid with a flat fee and cannot be split into separate categories. This especially applies to businesses with remote employees, who may already have broadband installed at home. The one exception includes those who work from home and had to install or upgrade internet infrastructure for their job. These individuals can claim FTTP as an additional home expense. Different rules apply to the self-employed: if they purchase FTTP plans under a corporate name with their home as their registered address, they can claim any costs as business expenses.
Government incentives
If you’re living in a rural part of the UK, your business may benefit from government initiatives to provide full fibre connections to local properties. Here are the requirements your business should meet to claim a voucher:
- Certified SME as per the specifications in the Companies Act 2006. That means your organisation should employ less than 249 individuals and have an annual turnover of no more than £36 million. Non-profits and charities that are legally recognised as SMEs also apply.
- Internet speeds below 100mbps
- No full fibre-capable networks available in your area
These upgrades are possible thanks to initiatives by full fibre provider Gigaclear. Backed by £43 million in government funding, the company upgraded over 10,000 rural properties—including businesses—in North East Staffordshire and Oxfordshire to FTTP broadband by November 2023. These efforts are only one part of the government’s £5 billion Project Gigabit.
Installing full fibre broadband in your office
If you’re looking to invest in FTTP internet connectivity, you can take the following steps to install the necessary infrastructure in your office:
- Check if full fibre is available in your area. Providers like Hey!Broadband offers address finder tools to help you out. If it’s currently unavailable where you are, they’ll notify you once they plan to include your area in their FTTP network.
- Consult a technician. They will tell you if you have the equipment needed for full fibre connectivity—including an active phone line, one or more routers, phone socket microfilters, and compatible computers—and what additional infrastructure you may need. They’ll also update you throughout the installation process.
- Complete your setup. After installing full fibre broadband, your technician will test if you’re successfully connected to the network. Be sure to choose a service provider that provides seamless follow-up resolutions for any issues you may encounter shortly after switching to FTTP.
With the UK switching to more efficient broadband connections, it’s ideal for your business to consider moving to a full fibre plan. In doing so, you can benefit from improved cost-effectiveness, productivity, and security while future-proofing your connectivity and bolstering your profit margins as more companies digitalise.