BT Full Fibre 900 Review: Is It Worth the Hype?
BT Full Fibre 900 delivers blazing-fast speeds and reliable service, but its outdated router and premium pricing might make competitors like Vodafone or Plusnet better picks for some.
BT Full Fibre 900 is one of the fastest broadband plans in the UK, promising average speeds of 900 Mbps download and 110 Mbps upload. But does it live up to the hype? I’ve tested the service, compared it to rivals, and broken down everything you need to know, from real world speeds to hidden quirks.
BT Broadband
Fast Reliable Nationwide Broadband
Guaranteed minimum speeds up to 900 Mbps.
Highly rated BT Smart Hub routers
Great customer support with quick response rates.
Key Features at a Glance
900 Mbps average download speeds (consistently fast) 24-month contract with optional landline add-on UK-based customer support (83% satisfaction rate)
Outdated Smart Hub 2 router (Wi-Fi 5, maxes at ~500 Mbps over Wi-Fi) Higher price tag than competitors like Plusnet
Speed Performance: What You Actually Get
Download & Upload Speeds
BT’s 900 Mbps download speed isn’t just marketing fluff. In real-world testing, wired connections hit 870-910 Mbps consistently, even during peak hours. Uploads clock in around 105-110 Mbps—enough for Zoom calls or streaming, but lagging behind providers like Community Fibre (which offers symmetrical speeds).
BT Full Fibre 900 Speed Comparison Tool
What this means for you:
Latency & Gaming Performance
Gamers, rejoice! Wired connections saw 10-12 ms latency, perfect for competitive play. Over Wi-Fi, this crept up to 15-20 ms depending on signal strength, still solid for most games.
What Can You Do with 900Mbps?
Here’s how BT stacks up against common online activities:
What Can You Do with 900 Mbps?
Stream 4K/UHD content on multiple devices simultaneously
Download time with 900 Mbps connection
Number of concurrent HD streams for family viewing
Download time with 900 Mbps connection
Stream your gameplay or content to platforms like Twitch or YouTube
Maximum download speed in megabytes per second
Support for multiple professionals with heavy data requirements
Backup your entire computer (500GB) to cloud storage
Number of devices that can use high-bandwidth applications simultaneously
The Router Dilemma: BT’s Achilles’ Heel
BT ships its Smart Hub 2 with this plan, and it’s… fine. But “fine” isn’t ideal when you’re paying for 900 Mbps.
Key drawbacks:
- Wi-Fi 5 (2014 tech): Max Wi-Fi speeds hover around 500 Mbps, even next to the router.
- Limited ports: Only 3 Ethernet ports (vs. 4+ on rivals).
- No Wi-Fi 6/6E: Missed opportunity for future-proofing.
Compare this to EE’s Smart Hub Plus (Wi-Fi 6) or Virgin’s Hub 5 (Wi-Fi 6E), and BT’s hardware feels outdated.
If Wi-Fi performance matters, consider buying a third-party router or switching providers.
Customer Service: BT’s Strong Suit
BT shines here. Their UK-based team answers calls in ~3 minutes on average, and 83% of users report satisfaction, higher than TalkTalk or Virgin Media.
Personal experience: When I tested their support, they resolved a billing hiccup in under 10 minutes. Technicians also arrived on time for installations.
Price Comparison: Is BT Worth the Extra Cash?
BT Full Fibre 900 costs £45/month. But here’s the kicker:
- Plusnet (owned by BT) offers the same Openreach network speeds for £42/month.
- EE matches BT’s price but includes a Wi-Fi 6 router.
| Provider | Price/Month | Router | Contract Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| BT | £45 | Smart Hub 2 | 24 months |
| Plusnet | £42 | Home Hub | 24 months |
| EE | £45 | Smart Hub 6 | 24 months |
Prices based on current deals; check BT, Plusnet, and EE for updates.
BT Broadband
Fast Reliable Nationwide Broadband
Guaranteed minimum speeds up to 900 Mbps.
Highly rated BT Smart Hub routers
Great customer support with quick response rates.
Who Should Buy BT Full Fibre 900?
Large households: 10+ devices? No problem. Remote workers: Reliable uploads for video calls. Streamers: Buffer-free 4K on multiple screens.
Skip if:
You want the latest router tech.Budget is your top priority.
Why pay more for BT? If customer service and a 700 Mbps minimum speed guarantee matter, BT justifies the cost. Otherwise, Plusnet or Vodafone offer better value.
Final Verdict
BT Full Fibre 900 is a speed demon with standout customer service, but it’s hamstrung by an aging router and premium pricing.
For most, Vodafone (better hardware) or Plusnet (cheaper) make smarter picks. Still, if consistency and support are non-negotiable, BT delivers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does BT Full Fibre 900 installation take?
If you’re new to Openreach’s network, an engineer visit is required (usually 1-2 weeks after ordering). Existing Openreach customers (Sky, TalkTalk, etc.) often get same-day activation with no visit.
Can I leave my BT contract early without penalties?
No – BT enforces a 24-month contract. Early exit fees = remaining monthly costs + £10–£15 admin charges. Exceptions apply if speeds drop below 700Mbps (their minimum guarantee).
Does BT’s router work with Wi-Fi extenders or mesh systems?
Yes! While the Smart Hub 2 is lacklustre, it plays nice with third-party systems like Amazon Eero or TP-Link Deco. For serious coverage, pair it with a Wi-Fi 6 mesh.
Why is the upload speed only 110Mbps?
Blame Openreach’s “asymmetric” FTTP tech. Competitors like Community Fibre or Hyperoptic offer symmetrical speeds, but BT’s uploads still crush Virgin Media’s 50Mbps.
Does BT price-match cheaper providers like Plusnet?
Nope – BT rarely negotiates. But they offer £50–£100 prepaid cards for new customers. If price is key, switch to Plusnet (same network, same support team, lower cost).
Can I use my own router instead of the Smart Hub 2?
Absolutely. Plug any third-party router into the BT Openreach modem (included). Gamers and streamers should prioritize routers with QoS settings, like the ASUS RT-AX86U.
