Cityfibre.com Reviews

Based on checking the website Cityfibre.com, it appears to be a telecommunications company focused on building and operating a “Full Fibre” broadband network across the UK.

Essentially, they are an infrastructure provider aiming to deliver significantly faster and more reliable internet connectivity compared to traditional copper-based systems.

Their approach is to lay down brand new fiber optic cables directly to homes and businesses, then partner with various internet service providers ISPs who offer services over their network.

This positions CityFibre not as a direct ISP to consumers but as a foundational backbone for a new generation of high-speed internet in the UK.

Find detailed reviews on Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

IMPORTANT: We have not personally tested this company’s services. This review is based solely on information provided by the company on their website. For independent, verified user experiences, please refer to trusted sources such as Trustpilot, Reddit, and BBB.org.

Unpacking CityFibre.com: A Deep Dive into the Full Fibre Revolution

CityFibre.com presents itself as a pivotal player in upgrading the UK’s broadband infrastructure, promising a substantial leap in speed and reliability.

Instead of directly selling broadband packages to end-users, they construct and maintain a wholesale fibre optic network, allowing other internet service providers ISPs to offer their services over CityFibre’s robust infrastructure.

What is Full Fibre Broadband? The Game Changer Explained

Full Fibre, or Fibre-to-the-Premises FTTP, is the gold standard of internet connectivity. Unlike traditional “fibre broadband” that often uses fibre optic cables only to a street cabinet before relying on old copper wires for the final stretch to your home, Full Fibre means fibre optic cables run all the way to your building. This eliminates the bottleneck of copper, which is susceptible to speed degradation over distance and interference.

Copper vs. Fibre: Why Does It Matter?

The distinction between copper and fibre is crucial for understanding CityFibre’s value proposition.

• Copper ADSL/VDSL: These older networks, often referred to as “part-fibre,” use copper wires for the last mile. This leads to:
  • Slower Speeds: Speeds degrade significantly with distance from the street cabinet.
  • Less Reliable: More prone to electromagnetic interference and physical degradation.
  • Asymmetrical Speeds: Upload speeds are often much slower than download speeds.
• Fibre Optic FTTP: CityFibre’s network uses strands of glass to transmit data using light signals. This offers:
  • Blazing Fast Speeds: Capable of symmetrical speeds same upload and download far exceeding gigabit levels. The website claims speeds up to 2.5 Gbps, which is 44 times faster than the UK average broadband.
  • Exceptional Reliability: Less prone to interference, leading to fewer dropouts and more stable connections. CityFibre states their network is five times more reliable than part-fibre.
  • Future-Proofing: Easily upgradable as technology evolves, without needing to replace the physical cables.

The Performance Difference: Real Numbers

CityFibre highlights a significant performance gap. While typical UK broadband users might experience average speeds around 50-60 Mbps, CityFibre’s network can deliver up to 2,500 Mbps 2.5 Gbps. This is not just a marginal improvement. it’s a paradigm shift, enabling seamless 4K streaming, instant large file downloads, lag-free online gaming, and robust support for multiple devices simultaneously. Imagine downloading a 10GB file in less than a minute versus over 20 minutes on a standard connection.

How Does CityFibre Work? The Wholesale Model

CityFibre operates on a wholesale model, meaning they build the network, and then allow other Internet Service Providers ISPs to offer services over it.

This is a key differentiator from vertically integrated providers who build their own network and sell directly to consumers.

Building the Infrastructure: The Rollout Process

CityFibre details an extensive rollout process, mentioning passing over 3.7 million premises across the UK with their full fibre network. This involves significant civil engineering work, laying down new fibre optic cables in streets, under pavements, and directly to properties. They emphasize that this is a long-term investment in national infrastructure.

Partnering with ISPs: Your Choice, Their Network

One of CityFibre’s core tenets is consumer choice. They partner with a growing list of broadband providers – over 30, according to their website – who then compete to offer the best deals to customers on the CityFibre network. This means that once CityFibre is available in your area, you aren’t locked into one provider. you can shop around for the best price, customer service, and package that suits your needs. This competitive environment can often lead to more affordable plans, with CityFibre claiming plans start from £23 a month and can be up to £167 a year cheaper than comparable services, despite offering significantly higher speeds and reliability.

Connecting Your Home: The Last Mile

For consumers, connecting to CityFibre involves a relatively straightforward process once the network is live in their area. Esurv.co.uk Reviews

You choose an ISP that uses CityFibre, and they arrange the final connection to your property.

This often involves a technician visiting to install a fibre optic cable and an optical network terminal ONT inside your home.

Availability and Rollout: Is CityFibre in Your Area?

CityFibre is in a rapid expansion phase, aiming to cover a significant portion of the UK.

Checking availability is the first step for anyone interested in their services.

The “Check Availability” Tool

The website prominently features a “Check availability in your area” postcode checker.

This is the primary tool for potential customers to determine if CityFibre’s network has reached their specific address.

The rollout is ongoing, so if it’s not available now, it might be in the future.

Major Cities and Towns Covered

While the website doesn’t list every single location, it implies a nationwide rollout.

CityFibre has significant investment in major cities and towns across the UK, systematically building out their network borough by borough.

Their “Our Rollout” section likely provides more details on specific project areas and timelines for construction. Heinnie.com Reviews

Future Expansion Plans

CityFibre is not just about current coverage. they are focused on future expansion. Their involvement in Project Gigabit underscores their commitment to government-backed initiatives to deliver gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach areas. This suggests a long-term vision to bring full fibre to millions more premises across the UK.

Benefits for Different User Groups: Homes, Businesses, and Public Sector

CityFibre tailors its messaging to highlight specific benefits for various segments, acknowledging that different users have different connectivity needs.

For Homes: Effortless Performance and Reliability

For residential users, the primary benefits revolve around seamless digital experiences.

• Faster Downloads and Uploads: Essential for remote work, online learning, and content creation.
• Multiple Device Support: Handling numerous devices simultaneously without buffering or slowdowns.
• Enhanced Streaming and Gaming: Flawless 4K/8K streaming and low-latency gaming.
• Reliability: The network is designed for high uptime, minimizing frustrating drop-outs and “spinning wheels of death.” The website emphasizes “effortless performance and reliability.”

For Businesses: The Bedrock of the Digital Age

For businesses, robust and reliable broadband is critical for operational efficiency and growth.

• Increased Productivity: Fast and stable connections empower cloud-based applications, video conferencing, and large data transfers.
• Scalability: Full fibre networks can easily handle increasing bandwidth demands as businesses grow.
• Cost Savings: The website mentions potential cost savings for businesses, suggesting that faster, more reliable connections can reduce operational overheads related to slow internet.
• Competitive Edge: Access to cutting-edge connectivity can differentiate businesses and support digital transformation initiatives.

For Public Sector and Landlords: Transforming Communities

CityFibre also targets the public sector and landlords, recognizing the broader societal impact of improved connectivity.

• Public Sector: Enabling smart city initiatives, e-health, and efficient public services.
• Landlords and Property Developers: Enhancing property value and appeal by providing future-proof connectivity infrastructure for residents and tenants. This is a crucial element for new builds and property refurbishments looking to attract modern occupants.

Customer Support and Reliability Claims: What to Expect

While CityFibre is a wholesale provider, their website provides insights into their commitment to network quality and customer support, albeit indirectly through their partners.

Trustpilot Rating: A Glimpse at Customer Sentiment

The website explicitly mentions their Trustpilot rating, suggesting they are transparent about customer feedback.

While the overall rating isn’t displayed directly on the homepage snippet, mentioning it indicates an awareness of public perception.

It’s advisable for potential users to check CityFibre’s Trustpilot page and those of their partner ISPs for detailed reviews.

Built-in Intelligence and Proactive Issue Resolution

CityFibre claims “built-in intelligence lets us track and fix issues as they – and often before – they happen.” This indicates a focus on proactive network monitoring and maintenance, which is crucial for delivering on their promise of reliability. Hobbies.co.uk Reviews

This kind of predictive maintenance can significantly reduce downtime for end-users.

Troubleshooting Resources

The website’s “Help & Support” section includes a comprehensive FAQ and troubleshooting articles. The “Troubleshooting” category, for instance, lists 5 articles dedicated to diagnosing and fixing common internet network issues. This suggests they provide resources to help users resolve basic problems, though complex issues would likely be handled by the chosen ISP.

Company Vision and Impact: Beyond Just Speeds

Economic and Societal Transformation

The company states, “We think full fibre has the potential to transform not only the British economy, but society as a whole.” This indicates a belief that ubiquitous high-speed internet can drive innovation, create jobs, improve education, and enhance quality of life across the country.

This aligns with national digital strategies focused on improving connectivity.

Challenging the Status Quo

CityFibre actively challenges the dominance of existing telecommunications giants, advocating for increased competition and better infrastructure.

They state, “We’re challenging the UK broadband status quo, pushing for better for our broadband providers and their customers.” This competitive drive is often beneficial for consumers, leading to better services and potentially lower prices.

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

While not explicitly detailed in the provided snippet, modern infrastructure projects often consider environmental impact.

Fibre optic cables themselves have a lower energy consumption per bit transmitted compared to copper, contributing to a more energy-efficient network overall.

A company focused on future-proofing infrastructure would likely have sustainability as a core consideration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is CityFibre a broadband provider?

No, CityFibre is not a broadband provider in the traditional sense. Continal.co.uk Reviews

They are an infrastructure provider, meaning they build and operate the underlying full fibre network, and then partner with various Internet Service Providers ISPs who sell broadband services directly to consumers and businesses over CityFibre’s network.

How fast is CityFibre broadband?

CityFibre’s full fibre network is capable of delivering extremely fast speeds, with their website claiming up to 2.5 Gbps 2,500 Mbps. This is significantly faster than traditional copper-based connections, often cited as up to 44 times faster than the UK average broadband speed.

Is CityFibre reliable?

Yes, CityFibre emphasizes the reliability of its full fibre network.

They state their network is five times more reliable than part-fibre networks that rely on copper wires, due to fibre optic technology being less prone to interference and degradation.

They also mention “built-in intelligence” for proactive issue detection.

How can I check if CityFibre is available in my area?

You can check if CityFibre is available by using the “Check availability in your area” postcode checker prominently featured on their website, Cityfibre.com.

Simply enter your postcode to see if their network has reached your address.

What is the difference between CityFibre and Openreach?

CityFibre and Openreach are both major infrastructure providers in the UK.

Openreach is a subsidiary of BT and traditionally owned the majority of the UK’s copper and fibre-to-the-cabinet FTTC network.

CityFibre is an independent company building a brand new, dedicated full fibre FTTP network, aiming to provide an alternative wholesale option to ISPs. Nextstoprelocation.com Reviews

How much does CityFibre broadband cost?

CityFibre itself doesn’t set consumer prices, as they are a wholesale provider.

However, they state that plans from their partner providers can start from £23 a month and can be up to £167 a year cheaper than comparable services, despite being much faster and more reliable.

Actual costs depend on the specific ISP and package chosen.

Do I need a new router for CityFibre broadband?

Yes, typically when you switch to full fibre broadband via a CityFibre partner, your chosen ISP will provide you with a new router that is compatible with the fibre optic connection and capable of handling gigabit speeds.

An Optical Network Terminal ONT will also be installed in your home.

How long does it take to get CityFibre installed?

The installation time for CityFibre broadband can vary.

Once the network is live in your area and you’ve signed up with a partner ISP, the physical installation at your property typically involves a technician visit that can take a few hours.

The overall process, from ordering to activation, usually takes a few weeks depending on technician availability.

Can I choose my broadband provider with CityFibre?

Yes, one of the key benefits of CityFibre’s wholesale model is that you have a wide choice of broadband providers.

They partner with over 30 different ISPs, allowing you to select the one that offers the best deals, customer service, and packages for your needs once CityFibre is available in your area. Motorhomeescapes.co.uk Reviews

What are the benefits of full fibre for businesses?

For businesses, full fibre offers significant benefits including increased productivity due to faster and more reliable connections, seamless use of cloud-based applications, enhanced video conferencing, rapid large data transfers, better scalability for future growth, and a competitive edge in the digital economy.

Is CityFibre available nationwide in the UK?

CityFibre is undergoing a rapid nationwide rollout across the UK and has already passed over 3.7 million premises.

While they are not yet in every single location, they are expanding their network into many major cities and towns.

It’s best to use their online availability checker for your specific postcode.

What is Project Gigabit and how is CityFibre involved?

Project Gigabit is a UK government initiative aimed at delivering gigabit-capable broadband to hard-to-reach areas where commercial rollout might not otherwise occur.

CityFibre is a significant participant in Project Gigabit, securing contracts to build out full fibre infrastructure in these regions, demonstrating their commitment to national connectivity goals.

Can CityFibre’s network be upgraded in the future?

Yes, CityFibre’s full fibre network is designed to be future-proof.

Fibre optic technology allows for significant speed upgrades without needing to replace the physical cables themselves, as new technologies are developed to transmit data even faster over the existing fibre infrastructure.

What kind of customer support does CityFibre offer?

As a wholesale provider, CityFibre primarily supports its partner ISPs.

For end-users, primary customer support and troubleshooting will typically be handled by your chosen broadband provider. Metroscreenworks.com Reviews

However, CityFibre’s website does offer help and support resources, including FAQs and troubleshooting guides for common network issues.

Is CityFibre owned by BT?

No, CityFibre is an independent company and is not owned by BT.

They are a direct competitor to Openreach BT’s infrastructure arm in the UK’s full fibre broadband market, aiming to provide an alternative and competitive network.

What is the speed difference between 1 Gbps and 2.5 Gbps?

1 Gbps gigabit per second is 1,000 Mbps.

2.5 Gbps is 2,500 Mbps, meaning it’s 2.5 times faster than a 1 Gbps connection.

While 1 Gbps is already very fast for most users, 2.5 Gbps offers even greater capacity, which can be beneficial for very demanding users, multiple simultaneous 4K streams, or large households/businesses.

Does CityFibre offer business-grade broadband?

Yes, CityFibre’s network is designed to support business-grade broadband services.

Their partner ISPs offer specific packages tailored for businesses, leveraging the high speeds, reliability, and low latency of the full fibre network to meet demanding commercial needs.

What happens if I move house and have CityFibre?

If you move house, whether your CityFibre service can be transferred depends on whether the new address is also within CityFibre’s network coverage.

You would need to check availability at your new postcode and consult with your current ISP about transfer options or setting up a new service. Thomsoncarter.com Reviews

Are CityFibre and Virgin Media similar?

Both CityFibre and Virgin Media operate their own independent networks distinct from Openreach.

However, Virgin Media primarily uses a Hybrid Fibre Coaxial HFC network, which combines fibre and coaxial cable, while CityFibre exclusively builds and operates a full Fibre-to-the-Premises FTTP network.

This means CityFibre’s architecture is generally considered more future-proof and capable of higher symmetrical speeds.

Can I get CityFibre if I’m already on a contract with another provider?

Yes, you can sign up for CityFibre-enabled broadband even if you are on a contract with another provider, but you will need to check the terms of your current contract for any early termination fees.

Many CityFibre partner ISPs may offer incentives or help with the switching process.