Do we need full-fibre broadband? Ask the lucky few who have it

Only 8% of homes can get 'gold standard of broadband' - but those few see it as a necessity

Labour's plan to provide free full-fibre broadband to every home and business is an eye-catching offer to potential voters. But while the scheme has been labelled "fantasy economics" by critics, people who already enjoy ultra-fast broadband view it as invaluable.

Like the roll-out of 5G for mobile phones, full-fibre broadband is the much-hyped next big thing for internet connectivity. It will mean speeds of more than one gigabit per second, letting users download an HD movie in under 50 seconds.