Every modern care home relies on digital systems to stay connected. Phones, Wi-Fi, nurse-call integration, resident video calls, even telehealth — all of it depends on a strong internet connection. Yet many homes still run on older copper-based broadband, which struggles to keep up with today’s demands.
Fibre-based broadband is different. With faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability, it provides the solid foundation needed for advanced telecoms. For care homes, that means smoother communication, more efficient staff workflows, and happier residents and families.
So, why is fibre broadband not just useful but essential for modern telecoms in care homes?
Key Takeaways
- Fibre provides the bandwidth and stability needed to support VoIP, video calls, and cloud systems.
- It reduces downtime and delays, giving staff confidence that systems will work when needed.
- Fibre future-proofs care homes for the PSTN switch-off and the growing demands of digital care.
The Foundation: The Shift From Copper to Fibre
The UK’s copper-based Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) is being retired by 2025. Broadband delivered over copper lines, such as ADSL, simply does not have the capacity to meet modern needs.
- Limited Bandwidth: Copper cannot handle multiple high-demand applications at once.
- Higher Latency: Calls and video can lag or drop.
- Prone to Faults: Older infrastructure means more frequent outages.
Fibre, by contrast, transmits data using light, making it far faster and more reliable. For a care home, where dozens of staff, residents, and visitors may all use the network at once, the difference is critical.
Supporting Advanced Telecoms
Reliable VoIP Calling
VoIP has become the standard replacement for traditional phone lines, but it requires stable broadband to deliver clear calls. Fibre provides:
- Crystal-Clear Audio: Calls stay sharp without dropouts.
- Simultaneous Connections: Multiple calls at once without bottlenecks.
- Failover Support: Fibre can integrate with backup connections for resilience.
One care home manager shared that upgrading to fibre reduced complaints from families about “poor line quality” when calling in, because conversations were consistently clear.
Seamless Video and Telehealth
Video calling is now part of everyday life in care homes, whether for family contact or remote healthcare. Fibre supports this without interruptions.
- Resident Wellbeing: Family video calls run smoothly, improving morale.
- Telehealth: GPs and specialists can consult remotely without buffering.
- Staff Meetings: Remote team huddles run seamlessly.
Without fibre, these services often stutter or fail, undermining their value.
Cloud-Based Systems and Smart Devices
From digital care records to IoT monitoring, more systems are moving to the cloud. Fibre ensures they remain fast and reliable.
- Instant Updates: Carers update records at the bedside without delays.
- Smart Monitoring: Sensors and alarms trigger alerts in real time.
- Scalability: Fibre easily handles growing device numbers.
This makes fibre the enabler of not only today’s telecoms but also the next generation of connected care.
Traditional Broadband vs Fibre in Care Homes
| Feature | Copper-Based Broadband (ADSL/FTTC) | Fibre Broadband (FTTP/Leased Line) |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Slow, often under 20 Mbps | Up to 1 Gbps or more, symmetrical options |
| Reliability | Prone to faults, weather-sensitive | Highly reliable with low fault rates |
| Latency | Higher, leading to call/video lag | Low, enabling smooth VoIP and video calls |
| Capacity | Struggles with multiple users/devices | Handles dozens of devices with ease |
| Future Readiness | Obsolete by 2025 with PSTN switch-off | Fully future-proof and scalable |
This comparison makes it clear: copper simply cannot meet the needs of modern care homes.
Reducing Downtime Risks
Outages in a care home aren’t just inconvenient — they can be dangerous. Fibre’s reliability reduces downtime significantly.
- Resilient Infrastructure: Less susceptible to interference.
- Faster Repairs: Providers prioritise fibre networks for fixes.
- Failover Options: Fibre can be paired with backup connections for guaranteed uptime.
One home reported that after upgrading, they went from multiple broadband outages a year to none, giving managers confidence that phones and nurse-call integrations would always work.
Addressing Common Concerns
Some care homes hesitate because they worry fibre will be disruptive to install or too costly. In reality:
- Installation Is Managed: Providers handle surveys and setup with minimal disruption.
- Costs Are Predictable: Fibre often reduces long-term costs by supporting cheaper VoIP and cloud services.
- Future Proofing Saves Money: Homes avoid repeated upgrades by investing once in fibre.
circle.cloud provides fibre-based broadband alongside telecom solutions tailored for care homes, ensuring reliable connectivity from survey to installation and beyond.
Preparing for the Future of Digital Care
The shift to fibre is not optional. With the PSTN switch-off approaching, all care homes will need fibre or another IP-based connection. Those that upgrade early not only avoid disruption but also gain access to the tools transforming care.
From advanced nurse-call integrations to telehealth and beyond, fibre is the backbone of the connected care home of the future.
Conclusion
Fibre-based broadband is essential for advanced telecoms in care homes. It delivers the speed, reliability, and scalability needed to support VoIP, video, cloud systems, and smart devices. For staff, it means efficient workflows and confidence in their tools. For residents, it means better communication, stronger connections with families, and safer care.
At circle.cloud, we provide fibre-based broadband and telecom solutions designed specifically for care environments, helping homes build reliable digital foundations. Learn more here: Care Homes Phone System.
Reach out to us: Does your care home still rely on copper-based broadband, and how would fibre improve your staff and resident experience?
FAQs
Why is fibre better than standard broadband for care homes?
Fibre delivers faster speeds, lower latency, and greater reliability, which are essential for modern telecoms like VoIP and video.
Is fibre expensive to install?
Not necessarily. Many providers offer affordable packages, and long-term savings from improved efficiency often outweigh upfront costs.
Will fibre be necessary after the PSTN switch-off?
Yes. Copper-based services are being retired by 2025, so fibre or equivalent IP-based connections will be required.