No image Big Thumb You have undoubtedly seen broadband adverts boasting ‘up to 1Gbps speeds’, but what does that mean? Most importantly, do you really need it?
As the UK’s full fibre rollout continues, gigabit broadband is becoming available to more households. In this guide, we break down what gigabit speeds are, how fast 1Gbps really is, and whether your home needs the upgrade.
What Is Gigabit Broadband?
Gigabit broadband delivers download speeds of up to 1 gigabit per second (1,000 Mbps), roughly 4.5 times faster than the UK’s average maximum download speed of 223 Mbps in 2024 (according to Ofcom).
Unlike older copper-based (FTTC) connections, gigabit broadband uses 100% fibre optic cables (FTTP) all the way to your home. This allows for higher capacity, faster data transfer, and more consistent performance.
Learn more about full fibre broadband in our guide on What is Full Fibre Broadband and Why is Everyone Switching?
How Fast Is 1Gbps Broadband Really?
At 1Gbps, you can:
- Download a 4K movie in under a minute
- Stream ultra-HD content on multiple devices at once
- Join video calls or online meetings without lag
- Enjoy low-latency gaming and instant downloads
To put it simply, a gigabit connection gives you more than enough bandwidth for even the busiest households.
Do You Actually Need Gigabit Speeds?
While 1Gbps sounds impressive, most homes do not always need the full capacity. If you regularly work from home, use multiple smart devices, or have gamers and streamers under one roof, a gigabit plan ensures no slowdowns or buffering.
Try our interactive tools to check your current connection:
- Broadband Speed Test: Instantly see your real-time download speed, ping, download latency, and jitter to see if your broadband is performing as it should.
- Broadband Usage Calculator: Estimate how much speed your household really needs based on the number of devices and online activities you use daily.
The Rise of Gigabit Broadband in the UK
Access to gigabit broadband in the UK has grown rapidly in recent years. According to Ofcom’s Connected Nations 2024 report, more than 80% of UK homes can now access gigabit-capable speeds, compared with just 6% in 2019.
At Fusion Fibre Group, we partner with several leading wholesale networks to deliver gigabit broadband to communities across the country, including Warrington, Rotherham, Grimsby, Shrewsbury, and St Helens. Our goal is to make reliable, high-speed connectivity available to every household we serve.
Project Gigabit and the UK’s Fibre Future
The UK Government’s Project Gigabit aims to extend gigabit-capable broadband to 99% of premises by 2032. Backed by a £5 billion investment, the initiative focuses on connecting rural and hard-to-reach areas where private network rollouts have been limited.
This national programme is helping bridge the digital divide and accelerate access to ultrafast full fibre broadband across the UK. Through projects like this, Fusion Fibre Group is continuing to expand coverage, giving more homes the power to work, stream, and connect without interruption.
Benefits of Gigabit Broadband
- Seamless streaming on all devices
- Instant downloads and uploads for work and gaming
- Future-proof connectivity as apps and devices demand more bandwidth
- Improved reliability through full fibre infrastructure
- Better performance for smart homes and IoT setups
If your Wi-Fi coverage is patchy, you can also enhance it with our Wi-Fi Guarantee Guide for stronger signal throughout your home.
Gigabit Broadband for Gamers and Streamers
Online gaming and live streaming rely on more than just raw speed — low latency and stability are key.
Gigabit broadband helps eliminate lag spikes, ensuring smoother gameplay and quicker downloads. Read our detailed guide: Best Broadband for Gaming in the UK.
Is Gigabit Broadband Worth It?
If your household uses broadband heavily then gigabit broadband is a smart investment.
However, if you only use a few devices for browsing, social media, and occasional streaming, a mid-tier package may provide all the speed you need. When choosing your broadband plan, it is important to remember that the right package for your household can depend on many factors beyond speed, so it is best to choose a deal that matches your household’s specific needs and usage habits. You can choose whatever package suits you on our Full Fibre Broadband Postcode Checker.
FAQs
What is considered gigabit broadband?
Gigabit broadband refers to internet speeds of 1 gigabit per second (1,000 Mbps). It is the fastest category of broadband currently available in the UK.
Is 1Gbps broadband worth it for home use?
Yes, if you have multiple users, work from home, stream in 4K, or game online. It ensures smooth performance across all devices, even during busy times.
Can my devices use 1Gbps speeds?
To reach true gigabit speeds, your router, Ethernet cables, and devices must support gigabit connectivity. Wi-Fi may deliver slightly lower speeds depending on distance and interference.
Where can I get gigabit broadband in the UK?
Fusion Fibre Group provides full fibre broadband through multiple wholesale networks across the UK, including CityFibre, MS3 Networks, F&W Networks, and Freedom Fibre coverage areas. Check your postcode to see if full fibre is live in your street.
