- Around 780,000 homes in Northern Ireland now have access to full-fibre broadband
- Almost two-thirds of households take up these services up in areas where they’re available
- 5G coverage continues to increase
Around 780,000 homes in Northern Ireland have access to full-fibre broadband – the highest proportion of all the UK nations – according to Ofcom’s annual Connected Nations report, published today.
By using fibre optic cables all the way to the home instead of copper lines, full-fibre broadband is faster and more reliable. Full-fibre networks, as well as cable, can potentially deliver speeds of one gigabit per second (Gbit/s) or higher, which means a better experience for activities like streaming, gaming and making video calls.
The annual Connected Nations report finds that 78% (23.7 million) of UK homes now have access to full-fibre broadband, up from 69% (20.7 million) in September 2023. Northern Ireland leads the way with 95% of households able to access full fibre.
Taking full-fibre and cable networks together, 96% of homes in NI now have access to a gigabit-capable broadband connections.
Full-fibre take-up climbs year on year – but some still not making the most of it
As well as access to full fibre growing, take up of these services is also increasing. The proportion of Northern Ireland households signed up to full-fibre broadband, where available, has risen from 53% in July 2024 to 62% this year, compared to 42% in the UK as a whole.
5G mobile coverage continues to improve, but 4G remains the backbone of mobile connectivity
The availability of 5G continues to grow in Northern Ireland; estimated outdoor coverage provided by at least one mobile network operator stands at 97% [1] – a five-percentage point rise on last year’s 92%.
This year, Ofcom is also reporting on ‘full 5G’ coverage[2], also known as 5G standalone (5G SA). It uses a new 5G core network, which could better enable new use cases of high-speed, low latency 5G connectivity. This differs to ordinary 5G, which involves deploying 5G radio equipment alongside existing 4G with services delivered over the 4G core network.
Full 5G coverage in Northern Ireland from at least one provider stands at 92%[3]– compared to a UK-wide figure of 83%.
4G coverage continues to provide the backbone of mobile experience for consumers with individual operators providing 4G coverage across most of Northern Ireland. More than 99% of premises are able to connect via at least one operator and 97% of premises have outside 4G coverage from all four mobile network operators.
Jonathan Rose, Ofcom’s Director for Northern Ireland, said: “Northern Ireland already enjoys the best fixed connectivity in the UK, and we are starting to see more and more consumers take up these widely available full fibre services.
“When it comes to mobile, for years operators have been delivering 5G services while using old 4G networks to do most of the legwork. But now, the race to deliver the UK’s full 5G future is on. Investment in this technology will help to deliver better and more reliable coverage across Northern Ireland.”
Time to Map Your Mobile
Overall 5G coverage outdoors is available from at least one operator in 97% of the UK - up from 95% last year. It ranges from 64% to 89% between the mobile networks nationally.
But what matters most is the service you get where you live and work. That’s why this year Ofcom launched Map Your Mobile – a new postcode checker available at www.ofcom.org.uk/mobile.
It is the most comprehensive mobile comparison tool for comparing mobile coverage and performance to be made available in the UK, and is a must-use before taking out or renewing a contract, or when moving house.
Notes to Editors
- Refers to high confidence of 5G coverage outside of premises in Northern Ireland from at least one mobile network operator.
- ‘Full 5G’ is a synonym for 5G standalone. Many of these sites may still be sharing spectrum with 4G services.
- Refers to high confidence of full 5G coverage outside of premises in Northern Ireland from at least one mobile network operator.
- The full Connected Nations 2025 Northern Ireland report and an interactive dashboard are available on Ofcom’s website.