- Increased competition among ISPs has driven down ultrafast and superfast broadband prices in the UK.
- Independent fibre ISPs offer competitive packages, with 900 Mbps-1 Gbps plans starting at £26 per month.
What happened: ISPs drive price drops in the UK fibre market
The UK’s fibre market is seeing significant growth. According to recent reports, increased competition among internet service providers (ISPs) is driving down the cost of high-speed broadband. Smaller, independent providers are leading the charge, offering fibre services at competitive prices.
The cost of ultrafast broadband packages with speeds above 300 Mbps has fallen by 9% in real terms, while superfast broadband prices have decreased by 7%. Independent fibre ISPs are offering deals that start as low as £26 per month for 900 Mbps-1 Gbps packages, undercutting larger players like BT and Virgin Media O2.
The expansion of full-fibre networks is also contributing to the market’s growth, with fibre now available to 69% of UK homes, up from 57% last year. The increasing availability of fibre services is making it easier for households to switch to faster and more affordable internet options. Despite these price drops, there is still a gap in awareness about discounted broadband plans. Ofcom urges providers to ensure that more eligible customers take advantage of social tariffs, which start at £12 per month.
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Why it is important
The UK’s fibre market is growing rapidly, benefiting from increased competition among ISPs. Smaller, independent providers are playing a key role by offering affordable fibre packages, driving down broadband prices. This is important as it gives consumers access to faster, more reliable internet at lower costs.
Ultrafast broadband prices have dropped by 9%, while superfast broadband costs have fallen by 7%. Independent ISPs offer competitive deals, such as 900 Mbps-1 Gbps packages starting at £26 per month, often cheaper than larger providers like BT and Virgin Media O2.
The expansion of full-fibre networks is another key factor, with fibre now available to 69% of UK homes. This is up from 57% last year. Despite the benefits, Ofcom warns that many eligible customers are unaware of discounted social tariffs. These tariffs, starting at £12 per month, could help more people access affordable broadband. This gap in awareness remains a challenge for the market.
