G.fast Myths - Seven common customer misconceptions explained
Businesses have several options when it comes to choosing a connectivity solution that’s right for them. There’s ADSL, Superfast and Ultrafast, not to mention the numerous Ethernet products. However, there’s now a new kid on the block. It’s so confident in giving your business faster speeds that it’s been called G.fast. But first, there’s some common misconceptions and G.fast myths that need busting!
What is G.fast?
Basically, G.fast is an improved version of Fibre to the Cabinet (FTTC), or Superfast business broadband. G.Fast works by utilising the current FTTC infrastructure where a fibre cable takes the broadband from your local exchange to your street cabinet and then a copper cable transfers your connectivity from that street cabinet into your business premises or your home.
However, what makes G.fast different to FTTC is the special pod that’s fitted to the street cabinet to alter the speed frequencies, making it much faster than FTTC.
To help dispel some myths surrounding G.fast and to help you better understand G.fast and how it differs from other business broadband options, we’ve taken a few common statements and we’ve mythbusted them!
“There’s no point getting G.fast because we’ll have to move onto FTTP shortly!”
Well, that’s not technically true. There is very little difference between Fibre to the Premise (FTTP) and G.Fast but it’s unlikely that Openreach will look to install the infrastructure needed for FTTP in an area where G.fast is available. Therefore, those areas where G.fast is available are unlikely to see FTTP arrive for several years, making G.fast the only ultrafast business broadband product available.
“Where is G.fast currently available? It’s not even worth it.”
At the moment, the G.fast footprint covers 2.8 million homes and businesses in the UK. As aforementioned, areas where G.fast is currently available are likely to be further down the priority list for FTTP. If you’re looking to upgrade to ultrafast broadband, G.fast might be your only option for a while yet.
“Even if G.fast is available in my area, I’m still unlikely to be able to get it.”
That’s not entirely true! Of all the business premises connected to a G.Fast enabled street cabinet, approximately half of these are close enough to the cabinet to achieve the minimum speeds needed to order G.Fast.
“Businesses don’t need ultrafast speeds”
If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that connectivity, and reliable fast connectivity is more important than ever to collaborate, communicate and connect. It’s no secret that data usage is growing exponentially year on year. With more devices than ever before, connected homes and businesses are more dependent on a stable, secure connection. Ultrafast provides the bandwidth needed for these devices to run smoothly and G.fast is more than capable of meeting the needs of data-hungry homes and offices.
“G.fast could solve my slow FTTC connection.”
Sadly, that’s not true. Although there are several factors with can affect the speeds you’re receiving via your FTTC connection, the main problem is the distance between your business premises and the street cabinet. Slow FTTC speeds will generally be found at premises the furthest away from the street cabinet. Unfortunately, G.fast is unlikely to solve this problem as the premises would be too far away from the street cabinet to achieve the minimum speeds required to order G.fast. If you’re experiencing slow speeds with your FTTC connection, you could look to upgrade to FTTP if it’s available. Alternatively, you could look at investing in a dedicated Ethernet solution to ensure the very best in security, speeds and reliability.
“We heard Openreach are putting the brakes on G.fast plans.”
Openreach have put the brakes on the G.fast rollout and have also put a stop to future G.Fast deployment. Openreach is now looking to FTTP where it expects to have 20 million premises covered by 2030. However, it’s likely that areas where G.fast is currently available won’t be high on the priority list for the FTTP rollout, making G.fast the only ultrafast product available at the 2.8 million locations for the foreseeable future.
