SKY has launched an eye-wateringly fast new broadband service overtaking its arch rival Virgin Media.
The telecoms giant claims it now has the UK’s fastest broadband speeds from any major provider in the country.
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Millions of households will have access to new Full Fibre 2.5 Gigafast+ and Full Fibre 5 Gigafast+ packages.
The fastest of the two can download an entire 4K movie in as little as 45 seconds.
It’ll come with a new hub router – Sky’s most advanced yet – that’s capable of handling the huge speed boost.
While there are smaller operators like Community Fibre and Trooli which already offer these speeds, Sky says it’s the first “major provider” with access to some 4.5million homes.
The service utilises CityFibre’s network instead of Openreach.
CityFibre – which signed a deal with Sky last year – aims to eventually cover eight million homes.
Sky will continue to offer services using Openreach’s network, whose Full Fibre network reaches about 25 million premises at present.
“We’re proud to be setting a new standard in UK broadband. With speeds up to 5 Gbps, our new Full Fibre Gigafast+ packages make Sky the UK’s fastest major broadband provider,” said Sophia Ahmad, Chief Consumer Officer at Sky.
“Combined with our existing full fibre range, we’re offering more choice than ever before.
“Powered by cutting-edge WiFi 7 technology, these plans deliver smarter, faster, and more reliable connectivity to homes across the country.”
But the new gigabit packages don’t come cheap.
Full Fibre 2.5 Gigafast+ starts at £70 per month, while Full Fibre 5 Gigafast+ with WiFi Max starts from £80 per month.
However, bosses tell The Sun that bundle deals with Sky Glass and Sky Sports could launch in future.
“Sky is making the most of CityFibre’s full fibre network to offer its customers fast and reliable Multi-Gig speeds and an outstanding online experience,” said Greg Mesch, CEO of CityFibre.
“This partnership is bringing more choice and better broadband to millions of homes on CityFibre’s nationwide, growing network – vital for how people live today and helping to deliver a healthy, competitive market for the long-term.”
A GIG TOO FAR?
Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun
5 Gbps is a whooper – but will most households really need it?
It really depends on how many people live under the same roof and how many devices you’re all using.
For most people, you probably won’t need 5 Gbps just yet.
But as we become more reliant on broadband – with everything from 4K TV streaming, to video calls and high quality gaming – some households may not be far off needing it.
However, the Wi-Fi 7 hub is a more pressing upgrade, allowing your router to better connect to devices and avoid those annoying interference.
“Not everyone will need such high speeds for basic browsing and streaming,” explained Ernest Doku, Uswitch broadband expert.
“If you’re unsure of the broadband speed your household needs, consider your online habits for all members of the home, throughout the week.
“By better understanding your usage – like how many devices are connected or if you game or stream a lot – you can avoid overpaying for speeds you won’t fully take advantage of.”
