What makes one full fibre network different from another?

Last week, we explained that not all fibre networks are created equal.

That's because the quality of a broadband service depends on more than just the speed advertised on a website. The decisions made when a network is built can have a lasting impact on capacity, reliability, upgradeability and ultimately the customer experience.

So what are some of those decisions?

One example is the technology used to power the network. At G.Network, we've built our network, which passes 430,000 London premises, using XGS-PON technology. While older GPON networks can deliver excellent broadband services today, supporting future multi-gigabit will require additional investment, engineering work and customer migrations. By building with XGS-PON from the outset, we've created a network that's ready for the next generation of connectivity.

Another important factor is something called the splitter ratio. In simple terms, a splitter allows multiple customers to share the same fibre infrastructure. Some networks operate at ratios of 1:128 or higher. G.Network was built at 1:32. While customers rarely hear about splitter ratios, lower ratios provide more available capacity and additional headroom as demand for bandwidth continues to grow.

Ownership matters too.

Some providers rely heavily on infrastructure owned by third parties, usually BT Openreach, through products known as PIA (Physical Infrastructure Access) and EAD (Ethernet Access Direct). These allow network operators to use existing infrastructure rather than building ​new themselves, helping reduce upfront construction costs.

However, they can also introduce ongoing operating costs and additional dependencies when repairs or upgrades are needed, not to mention a higher risk of damage with other parties also sharing the same infrastructure. G.Network owns the vast majority of its network infrastructure, giving us greater control over how it is maintained and operated.

The way a network is physically constructed can also make a difference. Some providers make extensive use of overhead infrastructure, meaning cables are suspended on poles above ground. We've deliberately built our own underground duct network across London. Underground infrastructure can help reduce exposure to weather-related disruption. For example, following Storm Eowyn in January 2025, more than 500 UK telecoms poles were reported as badly damaged, illustrating some of the challenges faced by aerial networks.

We've also focused on building a dense contiguous network. This means more customers can be connected from the same infrastructure, making every pound we invest work harder. That density also means that our infrastructure is interconnected more efficiently and with more resilience, helping us deliver great service, expand coverage sustainably, and build a business with a sustainable costbase.

In simple terms: more value for customers, and better returns from the network. It also means that our marketing efforts can be more targeted and not interupt homes and businesses that are not able to receive our services.

Another advantage of our approach is the depth of the build, that is how close the existing network is to our potential customers. In most cases, our fibre network already extends to the plastic toby box outside a property.

If you're not sure what that is, look for the small plastic box carrying the G.Network logo near the boundary of your property. Because much of the infrastructure is already in place, we can often connect customers almost immediately without having to extend the network which may involve additional roadworks.

These design decisions are reflected in how the network performs. G.Network reports network uptime of 99.999%; the gold standard! Pleasing, of course, but not especially surprising. We've built a wholly owned, contiguous network across central London based on XGS-PON technology, low splitter ratios and an underground architecture.

Finally, it's worth remembering that the UK's telecoms infrastructure is entering a period of significant change as legacy copper networks are retired and removed. Across the industry, large-scale copper recovery programmes are already underway. Whenever work takes place within existing duct infrastructure, there is always the potential for adjacent cables to be affected if not handled carefully.

Because G.Network's network is built entirely on full fibre infrastructure in our own ducts, with no competitors sharing space, we don't face the additional challenge of managing ours or others’ legacy copper assets.

When customers choose a broadband provider, they're usually comparing speeds and prices. Both are important. But the long-term quality of the network behind those services matters too.

Because when it comes to full fibre, it's not just about having fibre. It's about how the network has been built.

Photo by Rostislav Uzunov on Unsplash