What is gigabit internet

What is gigabit internet?

Gigabit internet, also called gigabit-capable broadband, is a type of broadband connection that can deliver speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (1Gbps), which is the same as 1,000 megabits per second (Mbps).

To put that into perspective, most standard fibre optic broadband packages offer speeds between 30Mbps and 100Mbps, and old, copper-powered asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL) broadband reaches around 10Mbps.

This currently makes gigabit broadband the fastest internet you can get at home in the UK. If you’re baffled by bits and bytes, read our guide to internet connection speeds here to learn more about what they mean for everyday use.

It’s also worth mentioning that ‘gigabit-capable’ means the connection can reach these speeds, but your actual speed may be lower depending on your provider, your package, and your home setup.

How does gigabit-capable broadband work?

As gigabit internet transfers a large amount of data per second, it often uses fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) technology that powers Full Fibre broadband. This means advanced fibre optic cables run directly from your provider’s network straight to your home, resulting in quicker internet speeds and a more reliable connection.

Some providers can deliver gigabit speeds over part-cable networks, but Full Fibre / FTTP is the most common way to get gigabit-capable broadband. It’s the technology behind the UK government’s ‘Project Gigabit’ programme, which aims to set up the infrastructure to give hard-to-reach communities access to 1Gbps internet speeds.

How is gigabit internet different from other broadband types?

The main difference between gigabit-capable broadband and other connections is how the data reaches your home. Most gigabit services use fibre-optic cables, which run all the way to your property.

Here’s how other broadband types work in comparison:

• Fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) or part fibre— Fibre runs to your street cabinet, but the final stretch to your home uses older, copper cables, which can slow speeds and reduce reliability.

• ADSL (standard broadband) — Uses old copper telephone lines for the entire journey. Speeds are much slower, often under 10Mbps.

• Cable broadband — Delivered over coaxial cables, often with fast download speeds but slower uploads compared to FTTP.

Because FTTP removes copper from the equation, gigabit-capable broadband can deliver faster, more consistent speeds, lower latency, and overall better performance – even during peak times.

If you’re not sure of the difference, our guide on FTTP vs FTTC broadband breaks it down in more detail.

How fast is 1Gb internet?

With a  1Gbps connection offering speeds of up to 1,000 megabits per second, that’s around four times faster than the average UK home broadband speed of 223Mbps (as of December 2024). 

But gigabit-capable broadband isn’t just about headline speeds; it’s also about what those speeds let you do without compromise. With more devices and services relying on a fast, stable connection, having that extra bandwidth means you can keep everyone online without slowdowns.

Here are some of the ways gigabit internet can transform your day-to-day:

• Download HD movies in minutes

• Stream 4K or even 8K videos at the same time on different devices

• Game online lag-free without slow ping rates  

• Upload large files in seconds rather than minutes

• Take video calls without buffering, glitching, or lag

• Seamless and automatic cloud backups

• Run a fully connected smart home

• Work from home like you’re in the office

What’s the difference between gigabits vs gigabytes?

It’s easy to mix up gigabits (Gb) and gigabytes (GB), but when it comes to broadband, knowing the difference can help you understand what you’re really getting.

Here’s a quick overview of the two:

• Gigabit (Gb) — This is the unit internet speeds are measured in. One gigabit equals 1,000 megabits (Mb). Broadband providers advertise speeds in gigabits because it’s the industry standard for measuring data transfer rates.

• Gigabyte (GB) — The unit used for file sizes and storage. One gigabyte equals eight gigabits. Storage devices, like USB sticks or hard drives, use gigabytes because they describe how much data can be held.

That means if your broadband speed is 1Gbps (1 gigabit per second), it would take around eight seconds to download a 1GB file under ideal conditions.

Is gigabit internet right for me?

Not every household needs gigabit-capable broadband, but it can make a big difference for some. Whether it’s right for you depends on how you use the internet, how many people live in your home, and how many devices are connected at once.

You might benefit from gigabit speeds if you:

• Work from home and rely on video conferencing, cloud storage, and large file transfers. Find out what broadband speeds you need to work from home here. 

• Share your connection with lots of other people who are streaming, gaming, or downloading at the same time.

• Use smart home tech like security cameras, voice assistants, and connected appliances.

• Regularly upload or back up large files, such as videos or high-resolution photos.

On the other hand, if your household only uses the internet for browsing, streaming on one or two devices, or occasional downloads, you might not notice the difference compared to a lower-speed fibre package. 

If you think you’re not getting the speed you should on your current plan, it’s worth working out why your internet is so slow and how you can fix it yourself before upgrading. Sometimes, the fix is simpler than you think.

Whether you’re a heavy internet user or just want the reassurance that your connection can handle anything, gigabit broadband gives you that breathing room.

How to check if you can get gigabit-capable broadband in your area

Gigabit internet is becoming more widely available across the UK, with Ofcom reporting that 25 million homes (83% of residential properties) have access to it as of December 2024. However, coverage still depends on where you live. The easiest way to find out is to run a quick availability check.

Here’s how:

1. Use the Ofcom broadband checker — Enter your postcode into the Ofcom broadband checker to see which speeds and providers are available at your address.

2. Check with your provider — If you’re already with UW, we can tell you if gigabit-capable broadband is available for your home and help you upgrade.

3. Look for Full Fibre rollout updates — Openreach is continuously expanding its network so that areas across the UK can upgrade from fibre-to-the-cabinet to fibre-to-the-premises, which is needed for gigabit speeds. You can view their coverage map here to see how they’re getting on and if work is planned or being carried out in your area.

Even if it’s unavailable right now, rollout plans mean it could be coming soon. Checking every few months is a good way to stay ahead and be ready to switch when it’s live in your area.

For more detailed step-by-step instructions, read our guide ‘can I get fibre broadband in my area’.

Why is gigabit internet now required for new builds?

Since 2022, UK regulations have required most new-build homes in the country to be fitted with gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure. The reason is to future-proof properties so homeowners and tenants can access the fastest available internet from day one.

This change means that if you move into a newly built home, fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) is likely already installed, so you won’t need to arrange a costly or time-consuming upgrade later. Plus, anyone renting a new-build property will be able to access super-fast gigabit internet speeds without needing their landlord to do anything.

For developers, installing gigabit-capable broadband during construction is far easier and cheaper than retrofitting it later.

Get connected with broadband from UW

Want the speed and reliability that comes with gigabit-capable broadband? With UW’s Full Fibre packages, you can enjoy ultrafast speeds perfect for streaming, gaming, and working from home — all at the same time.

And when you bundle broadband with other UW services like energy, mobile, or insurance, you’ll save even more, with one simple monthly bill to keep things hassle-free.