Ofcom forecasts full-fibre broadband households to reach 27m by 2026

UK media regulator, Ofcom, has revealed if all network deployments are realised as planned, the number of UK properties with full-fibre broadband will increase from 15.4 million in May this year to 27 million by 2026, according to its latest Connected Nations report.

Last month, it reported that over half (52%) of UK homes had access to full-fibre services as of May 2023, up from 3% since we proposed our rules to boost full fibre rollout in 2017. The media watchdog highlighted this has been driven mainly by the larger fibre operators but also supported by a number of smaller providers across the UK serving individual communities and regions.

Ofcom has collected and collated data from UK broadband firms about their full fibre rollout plans for the next three years. Based on the company’s data, 76% of UK properties could have gigabit-capable services available to them from two or more providers by May 2026. This will be more than double the amount by May this year.

The report also said rural areas could also see substantial network upgrades, despite plannings being focused in urban or suburban areas. According to Ofcom, if all planned deployments are realised, 98% of urban properties would be gigabit-capable by May 2026. This will mark an increase of 81% this year; and 75% of rural properties would be covered, up from 42% in May this year.