CityFibre has secured a remarkable £2.3 billion funding to accelerate its expansion in the UK’s altnet market. This financial boost includes £500 million in new equity and a £960 million debt extension, aiming to strengthen CityFibre’s position against competitors like Openreach.
Kenya is transforming digital connectivity in the Horn of Africa with a high-capacity fibre optic corridor on the Isiolo-Mandera route. Supported by World Bank funding, this initiative aims to enhance digital integration and connect underserved communities.
Zayo Europe is enhancing its footprint in Germany by deploying Ciena’s advanced optical technology across a 3,000 km fibre network. Offering 400G wave services with Ciena’s Reconfigurable Line System and WaveLogic 6 Extreme solutions, Zayo meets rising data demands driven by AI and cloud adoption.
CityFibre has begun connecting homes in Buckinghamshire under Project Gigabit, showing progress as many smaller providers exit similar deals. The rollout is part of a larger government contract to expand fibre broadband, while other firms struggle to stay afloat in a tough market.
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.
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.
CityFibre reported its first full-year profit in 2024, with a 34% revenue increase to £134 million. The company expanded its network to 4.3 million premises and secured £865 million from Project Gigabit.
