• Gigabit-capable broadband reached about 91% of UK premises, while alternative full-fibre networks covered 46.13%
  • Slower national coverage growth suggests more construction is taking place in areas where fibre is already available

The fact

Full-fibre broadband reached an estimated 85.05% of UK premises in the first half of 2026, up from 81.89% at the end of 2025, according to ThinkBroadband data published by ISPreview. Coverage from all gigabit-capable networks, including full fibre and other technologies, rose to about 91% from 89.6%.

Alternative full-fibre networks together reached 46.13% of UK premises. Openreach, CityFibre, Quickline, Netomnia, Grain and several smaller providers expanded their networks during the period, although the overall pace of rollout slowed. ThinkBroadband’s figures are independent estimates of service availability and may differ from the premises-passed totals reported by operators.

The assessment

As national coverage grows, an operator can expand its own network without bringing full fibre to a home that did not already have it. Building in an area served by another fibre provider increases competition but adds less to the UK’s overall coverage.

That changes the choice facing operators. Areas with existing fibre may offer denser housing, established ducts and more potential customers, but each connection must be won from a rival. Building in less-served locations can extend coverage to new homes, although construction may cost more and take longer. For BTW readers, the useful distinction is between growing a network and extending coverage. An operator may pass more premises without reaching many homes that previously lacked full fibre.

What to watch

Watch whether national full-fibre coverage keeps pace with operators’ premises-passed totals in the second half. A larger gap would suggest more building in areas already served. New build targets, Project Gigabit awards and regional data will show where fibre is still reaching homes for the first time.