Community Fibre Broadband Review (Updated October 2026)

True Full Fibre (FTTP)

Community Fibre operates its own dedicated network. It does not use Openreach access lines, whether that is older copper-based broadband or Openreach FTTP. Community Fibre runs its own FTTP network end to end.

This full fibre setup allows Community Fibre to offer symmetrical speeds. On supported packages, uploads can match downloads, which helps with cloud backups, video calls, remote work and large file transfers.

Better Hardware Than a Basic Free Router

One of Community Fibre’s strongest selling points is the supplied hardware, but it is worth separating London from Surrey and Sussex. In London, Community Fibre continues to use tiered Linksys routers, which are generally stronger than the basic routers bundled with many entry-level broadband packages.

For standard London residential packages up to 5Gbps, Community Fibre currently supplies Linksys routers based on speed tier:

• Under 100Mbps: Linksys WHW01, WiFi 5 dual-band
• 100Mbps to 500Mbps inclusive: Linksys MX20, WiFi 6 dual-band
• 1Gbps to 2.5Gbps Premium inclusive: Linksys M60, WiFi 7 dual-band
• 5Gbps Premium: Linksys M62, WiFi 7 tri-band
• Surrey and Sussex: Community Fibre says customers in these areas receive a Nokia G-2426G-A router with WiFi 6, so confirm the router for your address before ordering.

That is a genuine practical benefit. It gives modern WiFi 6 and WiFi 7 devices a better chance of strong real-world wireless performance. Multi-gigabit packages still need the right router, device, Ethernet port, cabling and home layout to show their full speed, and the 8.5Gbps tier sits outside this standard supplied-router line-up.

35Mbps to 8.5Gbps

Community Fibre’s residential range starts with its Essential 35Mbps option and now extends to a specialist 8.5Gbps service in London, advertised at an average 8.2Gbps download and upload speed over a suitable wired connection. Standard and Premium WiFi packages still sit below that top tier, and the exact speeds offered vary by address, contract length and sales channel. Check the live postcode checker before ordering.

1Gbps: This is a sensible high-performance tier for many busy homes. Large downloads are quick, uploads are much less restrictive, and the supplied hardware should be strong enough for many households before extra networking kit becomes necessary.

5Gbps Premium: This remains the fastest tier in Community Fibre’s standard Premium WiFi range, with whole-home coverage features and a tri-band WiFi 7 router. It will be more than most homes need, but can suit demanding home offices and households moving very large files.

8.5Gbps: This is now Community Fibre’s headline residential speed in London, with an advertised average wired download and upload speed of 8.2Gbps. It is a specialist service and Community Fibre says customers need a compatible router with a 10Gbps WAN port, plus suitable 10Gbps-capable devices, Ethernet ports and cabling to make meaningful use of the speed.

Symmetrical Uploads

Symmetrical upload speed remains one of the main reasons to consider Community Fibre. On many mainstream fibre packages, download speeds look strong but uploads are much lower. On Community Fibre’s full fibre tiers, upload speed can match download speed, making cloud backups, live streaming, remote work and large file sharing smoother.

By The Numbers

Community Fibre continues to position itself as one of London’s fastest broadband providers. Its appeal comes from high top-end speeds, symmetrical performance and a full fibre network that avoids many of the limitations of older copper-based broadband products.

Community Fibre does not have the same TV and add-on ecosystem as Virgin Media or Sky, but there are several extras worth noting.

• TV: The TV add-on uses a 4K WiFi-enabled box. Community Fibre currently advertises more than 230 live channels and 40+ apps, but its own pages publish different on-demand content totals. Check the live channel and app list if a particular service matters to you.
• 30-Day Satisfaction Guarantee: Community Fibre currently says that if you are unhappy with your broadband within 30 days, you can leave without cancellation fees. This sits alongside the statutory cooling-off rules and is subject to the provider’s current terms, including equipment-return requirements.
• One Touch Switching: If you opt in, Community Fibre can handle the switching process with your old provider. Its current switching guidance says your old service should only be switched off once the Community Fibre service is live.
• Premium WiFi Guarantee: Premium WiFi packages include a whole-home WiFi coverage promise for up to five bedrooms and 12 rooms across a maximum of three floors. The guarantee is tied to a minimum WiFi speed at the furthest point after installation and terms apply, so check the exact wording before relying on it.
• Refer a Friend: The referral scheme is still active, but the exact reward can change. Check the live referral terms before relying on a specific reward amount.

Moving Home: This remains an important limitation. If Community Fibre serves your new address, it can transfer the service. If it does not serve the new address and you are still within your minimum term, Community Fibre says an early termination fee applies. Cancellation also comes with equipment-return requirements.

Wayleave Agreements: If you live in a flat, rented building or managed block, Community Fibre may need a wayleave agreement before installation. If the landlord or building management company does not approve access, installation may be delayed or unavailable.

Networking Control: The supplied hardware is suitable for many homes, but advanced users may still prefer their own router, switch and access point setup, especially on multi-gigabit packages. Using your own equipment may affect provider support or WiFi guarantees.

8.5Gbps Equipment: The new 8.5Gbps service is not a normal plug-and-play upgrade. Community Fibre says it requires a compatible router with a 10Gbps WAN port, and individual devices also need suitable multi-gigabit networking hardware and cabling to approach the headline wired speed.

Privately Held & Focused

Community Fibre is a privately held alternative network provider backed by institutional investors, with Warburg Pincus among its major investors. Operationally, the important distinction for customers is that Community Fibre runs its own full fibre network rather than reselling a national Openreach wholesale product.