Gigabit broadband now available to two thirds of UK homes

Gigabit broadband is now available to two thirds of the UK’s homes, according to a study by regulator Ofcom.

According to the media and communications watchdog, some 66% of UK homes, or 19.3 million homes in total, can now access internet speeds of up to 1Gbps, up from 37% at the same point last year.

A third of homes can now access full fibre broadband, up from 21% in May last year.

The number of homes unable to access speeds of at least 10Mbps and upload speeds of at least 1Mbps has now fallen to just under 100,000, according to Ofcom.

Ofcom also found that 4G mobile is expected to be available in about 92% of homes, the same number as in December, when the regulator provided its last update.

“Our rules encourage companies to invest in improving their networks, and we’re now seeing a real race to roll out faster internet to people across the UK. But faster needn’t mean bigger bills – full fibre packages are on offer for around £25 per month, so you can boost your broadband without paying a packet,” said Lindsey Fussell, Ofcom’s group director of network and communications.