According to recent Uswitch statistics, Stevenage, Oxford and North East Lincolnshire are key areas in the UK where full fibre broadband coverage will grow fastest over the next couple of years. This is based on current and future full fibre availability data from Ofcom.
The timing of such a fast-paced and geographically broad expansion is perfect when you consider that traditional landlines will also be switched off by 2025.
Where else is expecting big increases in full fibre access by 2025?
When it comes to increasing levels of full fibre access, Stevenage, Oxford and North East Lincolnshire are certainly not alone. Further good news is that the research shows the following local authorities are expecting the most substantial increases in full fibre access over the next 2 years (credit: Uswitch)
North East Lincolnshire
North East Lincolnshire is expected to see the most dramatic increase in full fibre infrastructure by 2025. Currently, only around 2.42% of homes in this area benefit from fibre connectivity. However, by the end of 2025, an impressive 98.93% of homes in North East Lincolnshire are expected to have this option. It’s a huge increase - the most significant in the country - affecting 151,000 residents.
Blaenau Gwent
The Blaenau Gwent area isn’t far behind North East Lincolnshire with 96.34% of its premises expected to gain access to full fibre by March 2025. At the moment, just 3.57% of homes have this facility so again it’s an impressively sharp rise.
Castle Point
Castle Point in South Essex is the area expecting the third largest rise in full fibre connectivity. Only 3.35% of premises currently benefit from full fibre, however 99.59% of homes in the area will have fibre broadband by March 2025 based on current predictions. This will make Castle Point the 17th best place for access to the UK’s highest possible speeds.
Why do you need a fast internet connection to use VoIP?
VoIP stands for Voice over Internet Protocol. Essentially, it allows you to make and receive phone calls using the internet instead of using traditional landlines. Incidentally, landlines are being switched off in 2025 anyway, so there’s never been a better time to switch to VoIP.
VoIP systems are extremely flexible because you don’t need to be tied to a phone in one location. You can in fact access it from any internet-connected device, including your tablet or mobile phone.
Calling both domestically and internationally is substantially cheaper when using VoIP (particularly when you sign up for an unlimited calls package starting at £13.95 + VAT per month). Call quality is also higher, improving your customer service and making collaborative working amongst your team much easier.
VoIP phone systems from bOnline also have far more features than standard phones, which can streamline your business and bring about cost efficiencies. VoIP phone features include call diverting, call data and analytics, voicemail, hold music, video calling and much more.
Why fibre broadband works best
VoIP phone systems will only work if your internet connection is robust and reliable enough. Standard broadband is fine if you just want to browse the web and send emails etc. But when you use your broadband connection for VoIP, you’re sending your voice in ‘packets’ of data which typically takes up a lot of bandwidth. This is particularly the case if you’re also using video calling.
Think of it like a motorway. Mostly you’ll have cars on your motorway that make up the majority of your traffic - the cars representing emails, web browsing etc. However, when you use VoIP, you’re then introducing larger vehicles like lorries onto your motorway. More space is required to accommodate this additional traffic - hence the need for fibre.
Yes, technically you can still use a VoIP phone system even if you don’t have fibre broadband. But the problem is you may encounter reliability issues, problems with sound and/or picture quality, and drop outs. This is obviously really annoying when you’re trying to run a business, and doesn’t look too professional either.
Accelerate your business with fast, reliable internet access from bOnline
As a small business ourselves, we understand the challenges your small business faces when it comes to VoIP and broadband connectivity.
As an award-winning telco provider, we use the same BT Openreach network as many of the big names, but charge you less. Not only that but our friendly, experienced customer onboarding team will review your account for you to make sure you’re always on the best deal.
Our next generation broadband routers are second-to-none too so you never need to worry about poor performance.
The fact is that by choosing a super-fast fibre broadband package with bOnline, you can enjoy speeds up to 20 times faster than standard broadband. Download speeds are up to 76Mbps whilst upload speeds can reach 19Mbps. Prices include line rental too.
Get in touch
If your business is struggling with slow internet speeds, speak to our team and see how a fibre broadband package with bOnline could make all the difference. Call us on 0203 514 1322.
