Cable can offer gigabit download packages, but gigabit and full fibre do not mean the same thing. Check the access technology and upload speed at your address.
The route to your router.
Fibre + coaxial, or newer FTTP · Hundreds of Mbps to gigabit tiers
A simplified illustration of the access connection. The exact equipment and installation route vary by network and property.
What to weigh up.
Where it helps
- High download speeds on an established fixed network.
- Can offer a separate network option alongside telephone-line-based services.
- Gigabit packages are available at eligible addresses.
What to check
- Traditional cable is not fibre all the way to the home.
- Upload speeds and symmetry differ by package and network technology.
- Coverage and the installation route need checking for the exact premises.
Cable is not one uniform technology
A hybrid fibre-coaxial network uses optical fibre for part of its route and coaxial cable for the final connection. DOCSIS is the system used to deliver broadband over that cable.
Providers can operate more than one access technology. A brand may supply traditional cable at one address and full fibre at another. Ask what you would receive at the property you are ordering for.
Look beyond the download number
A gigabit download package can be useful for busy homes and large game downloads. It does not, by itself, say what upload rate you receive or what speed an individual Wi-Fi device can reach.
If you regularly send large work files, back up media or host video calls, compare uploads separately. Check the contract’s actual figures instead of assuming a symmetrical connection.
Installation and switching
If the building already has a suitable cable connection, installation may be straightforward. A new route or work in a shared building can need permission. Check the provider’s appointment and switching instructions before cancelling an existing service.
Your questions, answered.
Is gigabit cable the same as full fibre?
No. Gigabit describes a speed class, while full fibre describes the physical connection. Traditional coaxial cable networks can provide gigabit download packages.
Does every cable package have the same upload speed?
No. Uploads vary by package and the network serving the address. Read the upload figure for the exact offer.
Sources & further reading
Official information behind this guide. Links checked 29 October 2026; individual datasets retain their stated reference dates.