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CityFibre vs Openreach: what’s the difference and why it matters
If you’re comparing broadband options, you’ve likely come across two major UK networks: CityFibre and Openreach.
They’re often mentioned alongside internet providers, but they’re not ISPs themselves. They build and maintain the infrastructure that providers like Exascale use to deliver your service.
At Exascale, we deliver our own broadband services over these networks, so we see exactly how they perform in real-world use. Here’s what you need to know.
What is Openreach?
Openreach is the UK’s largest broadband network operator and part of BT Group. Its infrastructure covers most of the country and includes:
- Copper-based services like ADSL and FTTC
- Full fibre (FTTP), which is being rolled out rapidly
Because of its history, Openreach is available in the vast majority of UK homes and businesses.
The reality:
Not all Openreach connections are equal. If you’re on older copper-based FTTC, your speeds and reliability won’t match full fibre.
What is CityFibre?
CityFibre is an independent network operator focused entirely on full fibre broadband.
It’s built from scratch using modern infrastructure, with no legacy copper holding it back.
Key advantages:
- Full fibre to every property it serves
- Symmetrical speeds (fast uploads as well as downloads)
- Built for long-term scalability
Its footprint is expanding quickly across towns and cities.
The key differences
Infrastructure
- Openreach: mix of legacy copper and full fibre
- CityFibre: full fibre only
This is the biggest technical difference and has a direct impact on performance.
Performance
Full fibre connections typically offer:
- Faster and more consistent speeds
- Better performance at peak times
- Lower latency for gaming, VoIP and video
CityFibre delivers this by default. With Openreach, you only get these benefits if you’re on FTTP.
Coverage
- Openreach: near-universal coverage
- CityFibre: rapidly growing but not yet everywhere
Your choice may depend entirely on what’s available at your address.
Choice and competition
CityFibre’s rollout has introduced more competition into the market, which often results in:
- Better pricing
- Higher speeds becoming standard
- More flexibility in service options
Where Exascale comes in
Exascale is a UK ISP, not a reseller. We operate our own core network and deliver broadband services directly to customers using infrastructure from networks like CityFibre and Openreach.
What that means for you:
- Your service is engineered and managed by Exascale
- You’re not passed between multiple companies for support
- Performance and routing are optimised by us
Which should you choose?
If full fibre is available via either network, both can deliver excellent results when paired with a high-quality ISP.
If your only Openreach option is FTTC, moving to CityFibre full fibre will usually be a significant upgrade.
The most important step is to check what’s actually available at your property.
Check your postcode
The easiest way to see your options is to run a quick postcode check.
Use our CityFibre Checker to see if you can get service