Nokia has joined forces with Openreach to deploy its ONE Network platform to enhance fibre network automation across the UK. By leveraging Nokia’s Altiplano and NSP controllers, Openreach can automate its fibre services.
Broadband infrastructure provider Openreach has unveiled plans to extend its full fibre broadband services to 517 additional locations across the UK, bringing fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) to an extra 2.7 million homes and businesses. This ambitious rollout includes 400,000 homes in rural areas, highlighting Openreach’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.
A recent market study by INCA (Independent Networks Cooperative Association) and Point Topic reveals that alternative network builders in the UK have collectively expanded fibre infrastructure to more premises than BT’s Openreach unit. By the end of 2023, UK altnets had reached 12.9 million premises with fibre, exceeding Openreach’s coverage of 12.8 million.
Openreach, UK’s primary broadband provider, is proposing legislations that’ll speed up fibre broadband installations in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs). This initiative is due to the lengthy authorizations processes, known as wayleaves, resulting in significant cost. However, critics argue this could infringe on property rights.
In a remarkable feat of engineering, Openreach, the UK’s leading digital network provider, is illuminating approximately 60,000 new premises every week, equivalent to the size of Tunbridge Wells in Kent. With a commitment to a £15 billion investment, the company aims to connect 25 million buildings by 2026, with a subsequent target of 30 million by the end of 2030.
LightSpeed partners with Neos Networks to enhance high-speed connectivity across the Midlands and East of England. Utilizing 10Gbps XGS-PON and Neos’ infrastructure, the alliance expands FTTP services, targeting underserved areas.
Nexfibre announces its fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) network now covers 2 million homes, making it the UK’s second-largest alternative network. In just two years, Nexfibre achieved this milestone, aiming to transform broadband access.
The UK government has awarded £289 million in Project Gigabit contracts to Openreach, boosting rural broadband access for 131,000 remote homes and businesses. This investment supports fibre-to-the-home networks in underserved areas, enhancing digital opportunities and promoting equity.
Amid increasing financial struggles, TalkTalk remains in turbulence after suffering a loss of £72 million in the first half of 2024. Key to navigating these setbacks is the aggressive refinancing strategy driven by Sir Charles Dunstone to bolster TalkTalk amidst fierce competition and customer attrition.
BT’s financial report for the first half of 2024 reveals a 3% revenue decline due to the competitive retail market, while profits fell by 10% owing to heightened costs. On a positive note, BT’s fibre network now covers over 16 million UK households, bolstered by the rapid fibre deployment by Openreach.
