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.
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 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.
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.
Vodafone Spain and Telefonica have launched an ambitious FibreCo project, extending fibre networks to 3.6 million premises. With Telefonica holding a 63% stake and Vodafone 37%, this venture revolutionizes fibre access across the country.
Ofcom has introduced new regulations mandating that internet service providers (ISPs) clearly state whether their broadband uses full-fibre, part-fibre, copper, or cable networks. This aims to eliminate confusion among consumers by providing transparent information on network technologies. By making informed comparisons, customers can better choose the right internet services.
AT&T partners with Nokia in a groundbreaking multi-year deal to upgrade its US fibre network infrastructure. Spanning five years, Nokia will deliver crucial fixed broadband equipment to bolster AT&T’s current infrastructure and accommodate future network expansions. This partnership is set to enhance broadband access for millions, driving digital innovation.