Is fibre finished? Ofcom cracks down on broadband jargon

Ever felt confused or just plain overwhelmed by the baffling world of broadband? You’re not alone. The term ‘fibre’ has become so ingrained in the industry you might say that it’s practically meaningless at this point. Thankfully, Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, is stepping in to tackle the issue with new guidance designed to make life easier for consumers.

The fibre fiasco: Why it matters

The root of the problem lies in the misuse of the word ‘fibre’. While it’s an impressive sounding term, it’s been used to describe everything from ultrafast connections that use fibre optic cables all the way to the home (Fibre to the Premises, or FTTP) to slower options that mix fibre with old-school copper wires (Fibre to the Cabinet, or FTTC). This wasn’t always the case; when FTTC first arrived as a faster alternative to ADSL (copper) broadband, the term ‘fibre’ was used to differentiate it, to make it clear to customers that this was a new kind of technology. But even as ‘true’ fibre broadband emerged, that name stuck so that pretty much every kind of broadband connection was simply known as ‘fibre’. And this naming mix-up has led to widespread confusion, with many customers unsure of what they’re actually getting.

Ofcom’s research revealed that only 46% of people who thought they had full fibre broadband actually did. And while things are clearing up a little (if full fibre’s available in your area, that’s likely to be the only service available to you), this can be not only confusing but also lead to people choosing the wrong package for their needs.

Ofcom’s decision: New rules for clarity

To tackle this issue, Ofcom is introducing new guidance that will come into effect in September 2024. Here’s what broadband providers will need to do:

1. Clear labels: No more vague terms! Providers must clearly label their broadband deals as:
   • Full fibre: Fibre optic cables all the way to your home (FTTP)
   • Part-fibre: A mix of fibre and copper (FTTC or SOGEA)
   • Cable: A different type of broadband connection, often offering fast speeds
   • Copper: The old-fashioned phone line, usually the slowest option
2. No more ‘fibre’ tricks: The term ‘fibre’ on its own is out! Providers can’t use it unless they make it clear whether it’s part-fibre or full fibre.
3. Explain the tech: Providers must give you a simple explanation of what each technology means. They need to tell you how it might affect your speed, reliability, and overall experience. And this information should be easy to find, not buried in small print.

Why this is a game changer for you

These changes are a win for consumers. They’ll empower you to make informed decisions about your broadband, ensuring you get the right service for your needs and budget. And that’s a good thing.

Now, this article couldn’t possibly go into all the depth that the Ofcom consultation does. So if you’ve got a little time on your hands, and fancy a look, you can read the full 68-page report here.

What is Zen doing?

At Zen, we’ve always believed in transparency and honesty. We’re proud to be the only Which? Recommended Provider for Broadband, and the current Which? Customer Service Brand of the Year, so you might say we’re invested in putting people first. With that in mind, we fully support Ofcom’s new guidance. We’re committed to providing our customers with clear, accurate information so you know exactly what you’re getting when you select your broadband package.

Ready for clear, honest broadband?

Whether you’re new to Zen or looking to upgrade your current package, we want to make it easy for you to understand the technology behind our services. And we’re currently updating our website to add even more clarity to the terms we use.

We want to help you find the perfect connection to keep you streaming, working, and playing online with confidence.

If you’re interested in discovering the Zen difference, follow the link below to see what types of broadband are available in your area.

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