APFN has completed a major consolidation, merging five firms into two core entities: APFN for wholesale and Cuckoo for retail, both now owned by Fern Fibre. The company also launched aquila, a national fibre platform, and introduced new leadership, marking a pivotal shift toward streamlined operations and future growth in the UK.
CityFibre recently dismissed rumors of a potential sale to rival Virgin Media O2, highlighting the company’s commitment to expansion in the fibre network sector. Despite financial pressures and a current debt of £3.9 billion, CityFibre remains focused on its goal to connect 8 million homes by 2025. The company is actively seeking £1 billion in additional funding to support growth and the acquisition of smaller networks. CityFibre underscores its strong market position and expects to announce new financing details soon, solidifying its leadership in the fibre network space.
Onecom and APFN have partnered to expand business grade fibre connectivity across the UK. Using APFN’s aquila platform, Onecom will access CityFibre’s extensive network, enhancing services for small and medium enterprises. This collaboration aims to deliver faster broadband to underserved areas.
Openreach is delivering full fibre broadband to 38 rural UK communities through Project Gigabit, aiming to connect 290,000 hard to reach properties. The initiative is already boosting business, education and local economies, with potential to add £66 billion to UK GDP and support remote work.
AllPoints Fibre Networks has unveiled Aquila, a wholesale fibre platform designed to simplify broadband access for UK providers. By unifying major networks and offering a user-friendly API-driven portal, Aquila enables fast, scalable service delivery to around 19 million premises, eliminating complexity and accelerating market entry for Communication Service Providers.
Zen Internet’s launch of The Fibre Hub marks a pivotal moment in the UK broadband sector. This innovative platform consolidates various altnet networks, streamlining access for Internet Service Providers to Business and Residential FTTP services.
Wildanet is revolutionizing fibre broadband in Cornwall with its latest initiative, leveraging its partnership with Xantaro. With an investment of £77 million, this project under Project Gigabit aims to connect over 35,000 rural premises. Xantaro’s advanced technologies streamline deployment, reduce costs, and enhance connectivity.
CityFibre has acquired Connexin’s fibre network, expanding its reach in Hull and East Riding while taking over a £58.6 million Project Gigabit contract. While Connexin retains its ISP and Smart Home businesses, it will operate on CityFibre’s network under a new wholesale agreement, supporting ambitious expansion plans.
Ofcom is accelerating the UK’s full-fibre broadband rollout, aiming for 96% coverage by 2027. With access rising from 25% in 2019 to nearly 70% today, the regulator seeks to maintain momentum. Industry leaders welcome the push for competition and investment, ensuring faster, more reliable internet and positioning the UK as a leader in digital connectivity.
Millicom International Cellular is acquiring Telefonica’s Colombian operations for $400 million, including a 67.5% stake in Coltel. The deal, pending regulatory approval, could reshape the telecom sector by merging Colombia’s second- and third-largest mobile operators.
