- FTTP, full fibre to the premises, runs fibre all the way to your home, unlike FTTC which uses copper for the final stretch.
- An FTTP upgrade usually requires an engineer visit to install an optical network terminal (ONT) and run fibre into the property.
- You may need a new router compatible with the ONT, supplied by your provider.
- Your existing FTTC service typically continues until the new full-fibre service is activated, minimising downtime.
Upgrading from FTTC to full fibre to the premises, FTTP, is a bigger step than the ADSL-to-FTTC jump, because it replaces the copper final hop with fibre all the way to your home. The result is the most future-proof connection available, but the installation involves more than swapping a router. Knowing what to expect makes the upgrade smooth.
What FTTP changes
FTTC still relies on copper between the street cabinet and your home, which limits speed and is prone to the faults copper is known for. FTTP runs fibre directly into the property, removing the copper entirely. This unlocks higher, more consistent speeds and generally better reliability, because there is far less in the path to degrade.
The engineer visit and new equipment
Unlike many FTTC upgrades, FTTP usually requires an engineer to attend. They run the fibre from the network into your home and install an optical network terminal, the ONT, which is the box that converts the light signal into a connection your router uses. You may also need a new router compatible with the ONT, which the provider supplies.
What happens to your existing service
The upgrade is normally arranged so your existing FTTC service continues right up until the new full-fibre service goes live, so you should not face a long gap without broadband. On installation day there may be a short changeover, but the process is designed to avoid leaving you offline for an extended period.
The upgrade process
| Step | What happens |
|---|---|
| 1. Check and order | Confirm FTTP availability and order |
| 2. Survey | Sometimes a survey precedes installation |
| 3. Engineer visit | Fibre run into the property, ONT installed |
| 4. Router | Connect the compatible router |
| 5. Activation | Full-fibre service goes live |
Planning the day
Expect to be home for the engineer, and think in advance about where you would like the ONT and router positioned, since that affects your Wi-Fi coverage. Ask the engineer to confirm the connection is working before they leave. Once live, run a speed test, and remember that full fibre does not need the same long stabilisation period as copper-based connections.
Frequently asked questions
How do I upgrade from FTTC to FTTP?
Check FTTP availability at your address and order it. The upgrade usually involves an engineer visit to run fibre into your home and install an optical network terminal, plus a compatible router. Your existing FTTC service normally continues until the new service goes live.
Do I need a new router for FTTP?
Often yes. FTTP connects through an optical network terminal rather than a phone socket, so you may need a router compatible with that setup. Your provider normally supplies a suitable router as part of the upgrade.
What is an ONT?
An optical network terminal is the box installed during an FTTP installation that converts the incoming fibre light signal into a connection your router can use. It is the full-fibre equivalent of the master socket that copper connections plug into.
How long does FTTP installation take?
An engineer visit for an FTTP install commonly takes a few hours, depending on how the fibre needs to be run into your property. The provider will give you an appointment window, and you will normally need to be home for it.
Will I lose broadband during the FTTP upgrade?
The upgrade is usually arranged so your existing service continues until the new full-fibre service is activated, avoiding a long gap. There may be a short changeover on installation day, but extended downtime is not expected.
