Ofcom’s Connected Nations Spring update shows that, as of January 2023, almost half of households (48%) can now access full-fibre broadband, i.e. internet via fibre-optic cables. This is an increase of around 5.5 million homes since last year’s Spring update. Ofcom says that its next update, due later this year, will show that the 50% full fibre landmark has been passed, with the regulator’s latest analysis indicating that this milestone was hit in March.

Ofcom says that full-fibre connections, along with upgraded cable networks, can deliver download speeds of one gigabit per second or higher. In total, gigabit-capable broadband through a range of technologies is now available to 73% of the UK (nearly 22 million homes), up from 66% the same time last year.

The report also shows that the number of premises unable to get “decent” broadband, defined by the Government as offering download speeds of 10 Mbit/s and upload speeds of 1 Mbit/s, stands at 68,000 premises, which has fallen from 99,500 year-on-year.

For mobile, 5G coverage continues to grow steadily, with 82% of premises in the UK now able to get a 5G signal outdoors, which is up from around half in the space of a year. To access the report, click here.