What is Sky 1.6Gbps broadband?
Sky Full Fibre 1.6Gbps is a home broadband package offering average download speeds of 1,600Mbps. Launched in September 2026, it brings Sky's multi-gigabit broadband to eligible homes using the Openreach full fibre network.
The package costs from £38 a month at launch and comes with Sky's Gigafast+ Hub, a tri-band router that supports Wi-Fi 7.
Sky says the service is available to around 79% of UK homes, although availability and pricing depend on your address and the offer available when you order.
The main attraction is the combination of faster broadband and wider network availability. Previously, Sky's 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps packages were available in selected CityFibre areas. The new 1.6Gbps package brings another high-speed option to households covered by Openreach full fibre.
But is 1.6Gbps worth paying for, and will you notice the difference? Here's what you need to know.
How much does Sky 1.6Gbps broadband cost?
Sky Full Fibre 1.6Gbps launched at £38 a month.
Sky Full Fibre 1.6 GB
1£38 per month
(prices may change during contract)
No up-front costThis is the advertised launch price, your actual price will depend on the offers available at the time.
You can compare Sky with other broadband providers on EweCompare to see whether the extra speed represents good value at your address.
Sky has also offered switching credit towards eligible customers' early termination fees when moving from another provider. The amount and conditions can change, so check the current offer rather than assuming it will apply to every order.
How fast is Sky 1.6Gbps broadband?
Sky Full Fibre 1.6Gbps offers average download speeds of 1,600Mbps and average upload speeds of 100Mbps. That makes it a fast option for downloading large games, transferring files and running multiple bandwidth-heavy activities at once.
For most households, the biggest benefit is the extra capacity when several people are online at the same time. You could be downloading a large game, streaming 4K TV in another room and taking a video call without your broadband having to juggle quite so much traffic.
However, 1.6Gbps is the advertised average download speed, not a guarantee that every device will reach it. The speeds available to you can vary by address, and your actual Wi-Fi performance will also depend on your router's location, your device and how it connects to the network.
Speeds shown are averages advertised by Sky. Actual speeds and availability vary by location; check the speeds offered at your address before ordering.
How does it compare with other Sky broadband speeds?
Sky offers several speed tiers, subject to network availability. The main distinction is that Full Fibre 1.6Gbps uses Openreach, while Sky's 2.5Gbps and 5Gbps Gigafast+ services are available in selected CityFibre areas.
| Package | Average download speed | Network availability |
|---|---|---|
| Full Fibre Gigafast | 900Mbps | Openreach full fibre areas |
| Full Fibre 1.6Gbps | 1,600Mbps | Eligible Openreach full fibre areas |
| Full Fibre 2.5 Gigafast+ | 2,500Mbps | Selected CityFibre areas |
| Full Fibre 5 Gigafast+ | 5,000Mbps | Selected CityFibre areas |
These packages are not all available at the same addresses. Check the current availability and advertised speeds for your postcode before comparing prices.
Sky Gigafast+ Hub and Wi-Fi 7
Sky Full Fibre 1.6Gbps comes with the Gigafast+ Hub, a tri-band router supporting Wi-Fi 7.
Wi-Fi 7 is designed to improve wireless capacity and performance, particularly in homes with many connected devices. It can make better use of compatible equipment and supported wireless bands, helping manage busy networks.
However, having a Wi-Fi 7 router does not mean every phone, laptop or smart TV will connect at Wi-Fi 7 speeds. Older devices will use the Wi-Fi standards they support, and walls, distance from the hub and interference can all affect performance.
Your home network equipment also matters. If your computer has a network port limited to 1Gbps, for example, a single wired connection through that port will not use the full 1.6Gbps broadband speed. Compatible multi-gigabit equipment may be needed to take advantage of the full connection on one device.
For many households, the benefit will be the extra capacity available across multiple devices rather than every device reaching 1.6Gbps individually.
Can you add Sky Wi-Fi Max?
Sky Full Fibre 1.6Gbps customers can add Sky WiFi Max for an additional £6 a month. It includes a WiFi coverage guarantee, advanced security, parental controls and device prioritisation, helping you get more from your broadband throughout your home.
WiFi Max is particularly worth considering if you have rooms where your WiFi signal is weak. However, it is a separate add-on, and the 1.6Gbps headline speed doesn't mean every device will achieve that speed over WiFi.
For a closer look at what's included, how the WiFi guarantee works and whether it's worth the extra cost, read our full Sky WiFi Max guide.
Where is Sky 1.6Gbps broadband available?
Sky says Full Fibre 1.6Gbps is available to around 79% of UK homes through the Openreach full fibre network.
That does not mean every property covered by Openreach can order the package. Network availability, the speed tiers enabled at a particular address and Sky's own ordering eligibility all affect what you can buy.
At launch, the package was available to new Sky Broadband customers, including existing Sky TV, Sky Mobile and smart home customers who did not already have Sky Broadband. Sky said existing broadband customers would be able to upgrade at a later date.
The simplest way to check is to use Sky's broadband checker and enter your postcode.
If Full Fibre 1.6Gbps is not available, you may still be able to order a slower Sky full fibre package or a faster service from another provider using a different network.
Is Sky 1.6Gbps broadband worth it?
Whether Sky's 1.6Gbps package is worth the price depends on how you use your connection and what alternatives are available.
It could suit larger or busier households
If several people regularly download large files, play online games, stream high-quality video and work from home at the same time, the additional capacity may be useful. It can also appeal to people who frequently move large files between devices and cloud services.
It may be excessive for everyday use
Browsing, shopping online, social media, video calls and streaming television generally do not require a 1.6Gbps connection. Many households will find that a slower full fibre package provides enough speed for less money.
Check your equipment before paying for extra speed
To benefit from a connection this fast, your router, devices and wired network equipment need to be capable of handling the speeds involved. Wi-Fi performance will also vary around the home.
Compare the total cost
Don't choose a package on download speed alone. Compare the monthly price, contract length, upfront fees, price-rise terms and any optional extras. A slower package may offer better value if you are unlikely to use the additional capacity.
The best broadband package is the one that meets your household's needs at a price you're comfortable paying, not necessarily the one with the biggest number on the advert.
Sky 1.6Gbps broadband: our verdict
Sky Full Fibre 1.6Gbps gives eligible households a new option for high-speed broadband over the Openreach network. Its 1,600Mbps average download speed and Wi-Fi 7 hub make it worth considering for homes that need plenty of capacity.
The £38-a-month launch price puts it in the premium end of the broadband market, and many households will not need this much speed. Before signing up, check whether a slower package would meet your needs just as well and compare the alternatives available at your address.
For households that regularly put their broadband connection under pressure, however, the additional capacity could be useful.
Compare broadband deals on EweCompare to see which speeds and prices are available for your home.
Frequently asked questions
How much is Sky 1.6Gbps broadband?
Sky Full Fibre 1.6Gbps launched from £38 a month. Check Sky's current offer for the price available to you, along with any upfront fees and contract terms.
What is the download speed of Sky 1.6Gbps broadband?
Sky advertises an average download speed of 1,600Mbps, or 1.6Gbps. The speed experienced by an individual device will depend on its connection and capabilities.
Does Sky 1.6Gbps broadband include a Wi-Fi 7 router?
Yes. The package launched with Sky's Gigafast+ Hub, a tri-band router supporting Wi-Fi 7. Compatible devices are needed to benefit from Wi-Fi 7.
Can existing Sky Broadband customers upgrade to 1.6Gbps?
At launch, Sky said the package was available to new Sky Broadband customers first, with existing broadband customers able to upgrade at a later date. Check with Sky for current eligibility.
Is Sky 1.6Gbps broadband available everywhere?
No. Sky says the service is available to around 79% of UK homes through Openreach full fibre, subject to availability at individual addresses. Use a postcode checker to confirm whether you can order it.
Do I need 1.6Gbps broadband?
Not necessarily. Larger households and people who regularly download large files may benefit from the extra capacity, but many homes will be well served by a slower full fibre package.
What is the difference between Sky 1.6Gbps and 900Mbps broadband?
Sky's 1.6Gbps package has an advertised average download speed of 1,600Mbps, compared with 900Mbps for its Full Fibre Gigafast package. The faster tier offers more download capacity, but the practical difference depends on how you use your connection and the capabilities of your devices.