Deciding on a broadband or full-fibre supplier for your development can be quite a big decision. The supplier needs to be reliable, reputable, and ideally you want one who will make marketing your new properties even easier. It can feel all too easy to go for the option you’ve always taken, despite how challenging the process may have been previously.
During that process, there will be lots of “full-fibre” related terms thrown around, but what do they actually mean? We’ve shed some light on industry buzzwords, and explained what they mean to a developer, and how your decisions could impact your customers and future property owners or tenants.
Full-Fibre is when the entirety of the cabling network uses fibre optic cabling. Traditionally, the internet was supplied to a property through copper cables. With the introduction of fibre optic technology, it’s become more common for the copper cables that were running from the cabinets to the premises to be replaced for the more advanced fibre optic. In instances where copper cables are running from the cabinet to the premises, the consumer is only benefitting from a few feet of fibre optic cable speeds as the data still uses copper for the majority of its journey to the property.
FTTP, or fibre to the premises, is when the entire network in a local area uses fibre optic cables. This is the fastest and most reliable broadband infrastructure.
FTTC, or fibre to the cabinet, is used when the cables to the cabinet are fibre optic, but the ones to the premises are copper.
Broadband ducting is the use of underground pipes or channels to carry fibre optic cables that provide broadband internet service. Ducting is a more efficient and cost-effective way to install and maintain broadband networks than overhead cables. It also protects the cables from damage caused by weather, vandalism, and doesn’t reduce the curb appeal of new developments.
In the traditional broadband supply model, the ducts are typically owned by one company, and leased by the service provider who bills the end consumer. This has typically made it difficult for property developers as there hasn’t been many other options available or ways of doing this – until Pulse Fibre came onto the market.
Upload speed is the speed at which data is transferred from your device to the internet. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). The upload speed impacts the user when they are trying to do activities online, such as:
1. Video calling: When you video call someone, your device is sending video and audio data to the other person’s device. A fast upload speed will ensure that the video and audio are transmitted smoothly and without lag.
2. File sharing: When you share files with others, your device is sending the files to the other person’s device. A fast upload speed will ensure that the files are transferred quickly.
3. Live streaming: When you live stream on a platform like YouTube or Twitch, your device is sending video and audio data to the platform’s servers. A fast upload speed will ensure that the live stream is smooth and without lag.
Download speed is the speed at which data is transferred from the internet to your device. It is measured in megabits per second (Mbps). A fast download speed is important for activities such as:
4. Streaming video: When you stream a video online, your device is downloading the video from the internet. A fast download speed will ensure that the video plays smoothly without buffering.
5. Downloading files: When you download a file from the internet, your device is downloading the file from the internet. A fast download speed will ensure that the file is downloaded quickly.
6. Gaming: When you play an online game, your device is downloading data from the game server. A fast download speed will ensure that the game plays smoothly without lag.
Construction mode is something that is unique to Pulse Fibre. Because we own the fibre optic cables, once installed we can connect a property to the internet in a matter of hours. This allows us to temporarily give a developer or sub-contractor access to the internet so they can connect smart home devices such as heating systems, CCTV, or EV chargers. Once the developer or sub-contractor has connected all they need to, the internet access is then shut down until the day the new homeowner or tenant moves in.
Rebates are when suppliers, such as Pulse Fibre, pay a developer a fee as part of a contract agreement. Pulse Fibre pay developers industry leading rebates, and this is paid per unit. So, Pulse Fibre will pay a property developer an agreed amount for every individual property the developer contracts them to install full-fibre broadband for. The value of these rebates is defined and negotiated for every contract we have with developers.
ISP, or internet service provider is the company or brand who supplies the full-fibre broadband services to the consumer. Pulse Fibre provide the infrastructure, but are also the ISP.
Hopefully the above gives you more confidence when you’re next considering who should be the full-fibre supplier for your new development. If there are any phrases or terms you’ve read or heard that aren’t explained above but would like to learn more about what they actually mean, get in touch with our team and they’d be happy to assist.
As Operations Manager, Chloe runs the daily operations of the business, overseeing and streamlining day-to-day operations, implementing efficient processes, ensuring a seamless workflow and optimal productivity.
Chloe has refined her skills having gained experience in a variety of sectors. Chloe has worked for a global financial services group, a private family office encompassing a charitable trust and recording studio, and an event catering company.
In her free time, Chloe can be found practising Pilates and immersing herself in Italian culture, learning the language and visiting new regions.
