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Network operator nexfibre and supporting broadband ISP partner Virgin Media (O2), which share some of the same parentage, have today announced that they’ve expanded the reach of their symmetric 2Gbps speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network to more than 12,000 homes in the Lincolnshire market town of Sleaford “for the first time“.

The town was previously dominated by full fibre broadband coverage from Openreach and Netomnia’s (YouFibre, Brsk etc.) respective networks, as well as a few smaller deployments by Hyperoptic, OFNL and possibly others (Quickline is nearby too but seems to have stopped short of fully entering the town). Suffice to say that Sleaford isn’t short of competition for gigabit broadband connectivity.

Nexfibre, which reflects a £4.5bn joint venture between Telefónica, Liberty Global and InfraVia Capital Partners (here), has so far already covered around 2.3 million premises across the UK with their new full fibre network. But the operator’s original plan to cover “up to” 7 million UK homes (starting with 5m by 2026) in areas NOT currently served by Virgin Media’s network of 16m+ premises was recently dealt a blow by Telefonica’s strategic review (here).

At present, nexfibre now only expects to reach 2.5 million UK premises by the end of 2025 and uncertainty remains over what comes next. But Virgin Media has recently announced the creation of a new fixed wholesale until, which will enable retail ISPs to harness both of their FTTP networks (here) – currently available to a combined 7 million UK premises.

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The UK telecoms regulator, Ofcom, has today opened a second investigation into wireless broadband operator IX Wireless (supported by ISP 6Gi / Opus Broadband). The probe will examine whether the provider failed in its duty to ensure that its overhead lines were at the correct height and that they complied with rules around the inspection and maintenance of infrastructure.

Just to recap. IX Wireless, which holds an aspiration to cover 250,000 UK premises with their new network (here), is currently building their hybrid fibre and wireless broadband network across several towns in the North West of England, such as Blackburn with Darwen, Burnley, Nelson, Accrington, Thornton-Cleveleys, Fleetwood, Blackpool, Tameside and Oldham etc.

However, the “up to” 15-metre-high metal poles (masts) that they build don’t always go down well with residents in all of the areas where they build (some people often highlight their negative visual appearance), although in being a wireless service they only need to deploy a smaller number in order to cover a wide area.

Suffice to say that IX Wireless has sometimes attracted complaints, which in May 2025 resulted in Ofcom launching an investigation (here) into a single deployment of an IXW pole in Rochdale (installed during 2023). The probe is currently examining whether or not the operator correctly considered the need to “minimise the impact on the visual amenity” of nearby properties during their installation.

The bad news today is that Ofcom has opened a second investigation into the same network operator, albeit for a different reason. The new probe will look at whether IX Wireless has complied with requirements to ensure that lines installed over the carriageway of a maintainable highway are placed at least 5.5 metres above the surface of the road.

The regulator is also looking at compliance with rules around the inspection and maintenance of infrastructure to ensure it does not cause damage or injury.

Ofcom Statement (CW/01322/09/25)

Ofcom has today opened an investigation into IX Wireless’ compliance with its obligations under the Electronic Communications Code (Conditions and Restrictions) Regulations 2003/2533 (as amended) (‘the Regulations’).

The Electronic Communications Code is designed to facilitate the installation and maintenance of electronic communications networks across the United Kingdom. IX Wireless, as a designated “Code Operator”, benefits from certain rights under the Code. But when exercising these rights, Code Operators are also subject to conditions and restrictions. Among other obligations, IX Wireless is required to comply with the Regulations, including requirements to:

➤ ensure that any lines installed over the carriageway of a maintainable highway or, in Scotland, a public road are placed at least 5.5 metres above the surface of the highway or road (Regulation 4(2)(a)); and

➤ inspect and maintain his electronic communications apparatus, other than apparatus installed underground or inside a building or other permanent structure, so as to ensure that it will not cause injury to any person or damage to property (Regulation 10(1)).

Where Ofcom has reasonable grounds for believing that a contravention of the conditions and restrictions imposed by the Regulations has occurred or is occurring, Ofcom may take enforcement action under section 110 of the Communications Act 2003.

Ofcom’s investigation will examine whether there are reasonable grounds to believe that IX Wireless failed to comply with Regulation 4(2)(a) and/or Regulation 10(1), relating to the height of cable lines and to the inspection and maintenance of its apparatus.

We will gather further information and publish an update to our investigation in due course.

Ofcom’s powers in this area remain quite limited (here) and investigations like this often take a long time to run their course (they launched an investigation of Brsk’s deployment of poles in Sept 2024 and imposed a £14k fine in July 2025 – here), which suggests that we’ll probably have to wait until around mid-2026 to see the outcome of this one too.

Network operators will no doubt be watching the regulator’s investigations very closely, since such things always have the potential to set new precedents for their own deployments of similar infrastructure. On the other hand, IXW’s large metal poles/masts are visually quite different, as well as being much larger, than your typical c.9 metre high wooden telegraph / telecoms poles (i.e. any ruling may not be directly translatable to the latter).

Finally, it’s worth noting that the ISPA and INCA this year published new ‘Best Practice Guidance’ for gigabit broadband operators that are building new poles as part of their UK network expansions. The guidance aims to support the Government’s goal of “ending the deployment of unnecessary telegraph poles” (here), not least by requiring providers to engage more closely with communities before they build (details here).

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Network operator Openreach (BT) has today announced the official launch of their new telecare migration services across the UK. The service is designed to help UK consumers with old analogue based phone (PSTN / WLR) and medical telecare systems to safely migrate to modern broadband-based (FTTP etc.) connections with digital phone (IP-based) services.

The legacy phone switch-off was last year delayed to 31st January 2027 in order to give broadband, phone, telecare providers, councils and consumers more time to adapt (details). The focus of this remains on the 1.8 million UK people who use vital home telecare systems (e.g. elderly, disabled – vulnerable users), which aren’t always compatible with digital phones because telecare providers were slow to adapt. But for everybody else, many providers will still be working to the original Dec 2025 deadline to get their customers off the PSTN.

One of the ways in which Openreach responded to this involved the launch of their Prove Telecare Trial, which was designed to support ISPs and customers to “safely migrate” fixed line customers with telecare devices to modern broadband lines (FTTP, FTTC/SOGEA) with IP voice services. The trial required close coordination between ISPs, telecare providers and engineers – often with Openreach engineers and telecare engineers working together to switch users over.

The latest announcement reveals that Openreach’s limited telecare pilot successfully migrated over 1,000 vulnerable customers from outdated copper phone networks to fibre. All customers were safely upgraded with no disruption to their telecare services.

The new Prove Telecare service will now become available nationwide, supported by more than 4,000 specially trained Openreach engineers – to help fulfil the volume of vulnerable customer migrations. These engineers will work directly with alarm receiving centres to confirm households using telecare devices, and only complete migrations when devices are compatible.

If any equipment is found to be incompatible, the engineer will move the phone and telecare device back to the original copper service, ensuring continuous protection for customers. Openreach then informs the customer’s service provider and the telecare provider so that they can arrange for a replacement device to be installed, before a follow-up visit.

James Lilley, Openreach’s Managed Customer Migrations Manager, said:

“The pilot has clearly shown that vulnerable customers with telecare devices can be safely migrated to fibre, removing a major barrier to the UK’s transition away from the PSTN.

Our priority was always to make sure the switch to fibre broadband didn’t leave anyone behind, and the transition was seamless for telecare customers. We’ve achieved our mission with the Prove Telecare service that will accelerate the transition.

With copper-based services more vulnerable to faults and outages, fibre is the safer and more reliable option. For customers whose safety depends on uninterrupted connectivity, the time to switch is now.“

Alyson Scurfield, CEO of TSA, said:

“TSA welcomes and fully supports the trial roll out of Openreach’s Prove Telecare service. Ensuring the safe migration of telecare customers is critical to protecting vulnerable people, and this programme is an important step in minimising risk as the UK transitions away from the PSTN telephone lines.

We are encouraged by the pilot’s success and the commitment to safeguarding uninterrupted telecare support for those who rely on it most.”

We should point out that Openreach and BT have also developed a “temporary” Pre-Digital Phone Line (PDPL) product (aka – SOTAP for Analogue), which is an exchange-based IP-voice service that replicates how the old service worked, albeit over a more modern network (i.e. it does NOT require broadband, new kit, an engineer visit or battery back-up to function).

However, PDPL is only intended to be available to vulnerable and edge case users on existing lines (not new customers) who would otherwise “face challenges” in migrating to normal internet (IP) based voice solutions by the deadline. This too is likely to be retired as Openreach starts exiting old exchanges en masse from around 2030, hence why the above focus is still on delivering longer-term solutions as part of the primary switchover.

Openreach has published a technical briefing on today’s soft launch of Prove Telecare (here), which reveals that it will go fully live from 16th October 2025 and cost providers £19.41 +vat to take (connection fee).

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Edinburgh-based UK alternative network GoFibre, which is rolling out a gigabit broadband (FTTP) network across remote rural parts of Scotland and Northern England, has today signed a new deal with JCT600 Vehicle Leasing Solutions (VLS) to deliver a 140-vehicle fleet in order to support their network deployments.

The operator currently expects their roll-out of a new Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) based broadband network to reach a footprint of 250,000 premises “in the next 3 years“, which has recently been boosted by several major Project Gigabit contracts with the government. But to deliver on all that will require the smaller operator to scale-up their operations and engineering teams, which is where today’s agreement may help.

Rather than just accepting GoFibre’s initial specification, JCT600 VLS consulted multiple GoFibre and external stakeholders to understand actual usage patterns and operational requirements. This collaborative approach revealed the need for enhanced safety features, bespoke racking systems, required electrical equipment, and a unified solution for vehicle tracking and dashboard cameras.

John Fraser, Fleet Manager at GoFibre, said:

“The new vehicles are a tremendous addition to GoFibre’s fleet, utilising the strength and salience of our brand, while providing the flexible transport solution that our teams need. This new attractive, multi-purpose suite of vehicles will support GoFibre’s strong growth trajectory, and we are proud to see the new vehicles out and about all over our build areas in Scotland and the north of England.

JCT600 VLS’ team took time to understand our operational requirements in detail, challenged our initial specifications, and helped design a vehicle solution that met both functional and commercial objectives. Their supplier-agnostic approach, combined with a clear focus on quality and value, ensured we delivered a fleet that supports recruitment, operational efficiency, and long-term business goals.”

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Private LTE networks are a well-established market and have been around for more than a decade, albeit as a niche segment of the wider cellular infrastructure sector.  However, private cellular networks or NPNs (Non-Public Networks) based on 3GPP-defined 5G specifications are just on the cusp of becoming a mainstream technology, with a market potential exceeding that of private LTE. Over the last 12 months, there has been a noticeable increase in production-grade deployments of private 5G networks by household names and industrial giants such as Airbus, Aker BP, Boliden, CIL (Coal India Limited), Equinor, Etihad, Ford, Hutchison Ports, Hyundai, Jaguar Land Rover, John Deere, LG Electronics, Lufthansa, Newmont, POSCO, Tesla, Toyota, and Walmart, paving the way for Industry 4.0 and advanced application scenarios.

Compared to LTE technology, private 5G networks can address far more demanding performance requirements in terms of throughput, latency, reliability, availability, and connection density. In particular, 5G’s URLLC (Ultra-Reliable, Low-Latency Communications) and mMTC (Massive Machine-Type Communications) capabilities, along with a future-proof transition path to 6G networks in the 2030s, have positioned it as a viable alternative to physically wired connections for industrial-grade communications between machines, robots, and control systems. Furthermore, 5G’s wider coverage radius per radio node, scalability, determinism, security features, and mobility support have stirred strong interest in its potential as a replacement for interference-prone unlicensed wireless technologies in IIoT (Industrial IoT) environments, where the number of connected sensors and other endpoints is expected to increase significantly over the coming years.

As end user organizations in the United States, Canada, Germany, United Kingdom, France, China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Brazil, and other countries ramp up their digitization and automation initiatives, private 5G installations have progressed to a stage where practical and tangible benefits – particularly efficiency gains, cost savings, and worker safety – are becoming increasingly evident. For instance, Tesla, LG Electronics, and Hyundai have eliminated connection-related stoppages since migrating AGV (Automated Guided Vehicle) and AMR (Autonomous Mobile Robot) communications from unlicensed Wi-Fi systems to private 5G networks at their production facilities in the United States and South Korea. The French city of Istres has reduced video surveillance camera installation costs from $34,000 to less than $6,000 per unit by replacing fiber-based connections with a private 5G network. Among other examples, China Huaneng Group relies on a tri-band (700 MHz, 2.6 GHz & 4.9 GHz) 5G-Advanced network to safely coordinate a fleet of 100 unmanned electric mining trucks at its Yimin open pit coal mine in Inner Mongolia, China.

SNS Telecom & IT’s  “Private 5G Market: 2025 – 2030” report projects that annual investments in private 5G networks for vertical industries will grow at a CAGR of approximately 41% between 2025 and 2028, eventually surpassing $5 billion by the end of 2028. Although much of this growth will initially be driven by highly localized 5G networks covering geographically limited areas for Industry 4.0 applications in manufacturing and process industries, sub-1 GHz wide area critical communications networks for public safety, utility, and railway communications are anticipated to accelerate their transition from LTE, GSM-R, and other legacy narrowband technologies to 5G towards the latter half of the forecast period. For more information, please visit: https://www.snstelecom.com/private5g

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The UK broadband, media and communications regulator, Ofcom, has today opened a new consultation that proposes to improve the existing license process for non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) systems, such as those like Starlink, OneWeb and others that offer broadband from satellites in a Low or Medium Earth Orbit (LEO and MEO).

The regulator introduced their current spectrum licensing process for NGSO satellite systems back in 2021. But since then they’ve carried out a review to ensure this process continues to meet their objectives in a proportionate way, and have thus today proposed to make a few revisions and improvements.

In particular, while the existing process is generally seen to be “meeting our objectives well“, Ofcom believes it can now “speed up the process, make it more efficient and ensure it is proportionate“. The focus is on measures that can thus speed up overall decision-making timeframes and reduce the coordination and administrative burdens on NGSO satellite operators (e.g. the regulator proposes to no longer routinely consult on applications for NGSO gateway licences).

Ofcom’s Proposals

We are proposing to revise the NGSO licensing process to clarify requirements for current and prospective licensees, speed up decision-making timeframes overall, and reduce coordination and administrative burdens on NGSO satellite operators. Specifically, we propose to:

• strengthen the requirements and evidence needed at the point of application for NGSO licences, to enable a smoother, faster and more robust process overall;

• no longer routinely consult on NGSO gateway licence applications, given our updated assessment of risks; and

• bolster timely, well-evidenced decision-making by extending the consultation commenting period and clarifying how we will handle stakeholder issues raised in responses.

We also propose to change NGSO gateway licences where this is needed for effective regulation, to facilitate future gateway use in new frequency bands such as the Q/V band. Our proposed licence conditions would:

• allow NGSO gateways to connect to a wider range of satellite services;

• introduce a licence obligation requiring NGSO gateway licensees to cooperate with other co-frequency NGSO licensees. This means an NGSO gateway licence in Q/V band will need to be held by a satellite operator (or jointly with a satellite operator).

We are not proposing to vary existing NGSO gateway licences. In addition, we are inviting stakeholder views on other ways we might improve our NGSO licensing process for current and prospective NGSO licensees.

Taken together, Ofcom expects their plans should help to support innovation and opportunities for growth in this sector and are seeking feedback on the proposals by 18th November 2025. Assuming all goes well then the regulator expects to publish their final decision in “early 2026“, alongside any revised guidance etc.

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The Swansea Bay City Deal’s Digital Infrastructure Programme has announced the completion of a £150,000 project to deploy a new full fibre broadband network across Margam Park (Neath Port Talbot) in South Wales, which will also reach homes in the surrounding area.

Just to recap. The UK and Welsh Governments gave their approval for a £55m digital infrastructure investment under the £1.3bn Swansea Bay City Region project in 2021 (here), which among other things aimed to expand full fibre and 5G mobile connectivity to benefit residents and businesses across Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot, Pembrokeshire and Swansea. Some of this investment also comes from the Local Broadband Fund (LBF) for Wales.

Several digital infrastructure projects are already taking place under this programme (examples here, here and here) and the deployment across the aforementioned country park (a sprawling 850 acre estate) is another one for the list. The park can now host large events without internet problems, and nearby residents are also expected to gain access to the new Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) based network.

The £150k project formed part of the Digital Infrastructure Programme’s “Connected Places” workstream. It was completed a month ahead of schedule and is a key step in building a more connected Neath Port Talbot.

Neath Port Talbot Councillor, Cen Phillips, said:

“Margam Park is one of Neath Port Talbot’s most treasured attractions and ensuring it has the digital infrastructure to support modern visitor experiences is a key priority. This investment in full fibre connectivity not only enhances the park’s ability to host large-scale events and improve operational efficiency but also strengthens its appeal to tourists and local residents alike. It’s a fantastic example of how our Digital Infrastructure Programme is delivering real, tangible benefits for our communities.”

The fibre build was delivered through the Public Sector Broadband Aggregation (PSBA) platform, the Welsh Government’s secure network for public services. It forms part of a wider £1.7 million project across the Swansea Bay City Region. But the announcement doesn’t mention which supplier has built and will run the new network.

UPDATE:

Openreach are the ones providing the network.

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Sky UK (Sky Broadband, Sky TV, Sky Mobile – Comcast etc.) has today begun notifying their workforce that up to 600 of them are likely to be made redundant by the end of this year, while around 300 more may be impacted by a wider business reorganisation. Many of those expected to be cut appear to come from Sky’s tech and networking teams.

Sky has had a busy few years and a big part of that has been driven by developments on their network and technology side, such as with respect to the gradual shift from satellite to IP (Internet) based TV viewing (e.g. Sky Glass, Sky Stream). Not to mention the removal of Huawei technology to meet regulatory requirements, as well as the adoption of alternative broadband networks (e.g. CityFibre) and their new WiFi 7 router etc.

The company thus indicates that they’re now entering the next cycle of investment, which for Sky is said to be less about creating entirely new platforms and more about improving what they already have. The catch is that this means Sky doesn’t need the same size of tech and networking teams as it had before, and the reorganisation that flows from this is thus expected to result in more job losses.

Sky has thus launched a new consultation on proposed changes affecting around 900 roles, with around 600 exits expected by around the end of 2025. The company said that they would provide support for those impacted by this, such as through internal redeployment opportunities, outplacement services and mental health and wellbeing support etc.

A Sky Spokesperson told ISPreview:

“Over the past few years, Sky has launched a set of market-leading products including Sky Glass, Sky Stream and our full fibre broadband service. These products are now firmly established and used by millions of customers, strengthening Sky’s reputation for innovation and great service. As we look ahead, we are shifting our approach to bring customers the next generation of experience by investing in digital-first service, unbeatable content, and even better performance from our products, powered by the best of global innovation.”

Sky insisted to ISPreview that the move was not a cost-cutting exercise and that they remain a strong and profitable business. The company expresses that these changes are more about focus and simplifying their model, although those set to lose their jobs over the next few months will no doubt take a very different view.

Some of those impacted also said they expect Sky to make greater use of AI in the future to support network services. But it remains to be seen whether or not Sky’s service and support quality will suffer a dip over the next year as today’s changes slowly begin to bite.

The news follows Sky’s announcement in March 2025 (here), which saw them indicate that as many as 2,000 workers (7% of its total workforce) could be facing redundancy as part of a plan to close three of its ten UK customer service centres (i.e. Stockport, Sheffield and Leeds Central).

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Some 43 homes and businesses around remote rural parts of Moray in the Scottish Highlands have gained access to gigabit broadband speeds thanks to a new deployment by local ISP WiFi Scotland. The provider was able to harness public funding via the R100 Voucher Scheme (SBVS) to connect premises around the Craigellachie and Ben Aigan areas.

Just to recap. The Scottish Government’s R100 Scottish Broadband Voucher Scheme (SBVS) typically offers grants worth up to £5,000 to help deliver a permanent “superfast broadband” connection for properties with no planned deployment of state or commercial superfast broadband (i.e. properties that can’t yet access speeds of at least 30Mbps). This can be boosted up to £6,500 for residential homes and £8,500 for businesses when combined with the UK government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS).

Some areas just outside of the Craigellachie and Ben Aigan areas can already access modern full fibre broadband networks via Openreach, but quite a few properties remain stuck on much slower broadband connectivity (often slower ADSL and FTTC lines). At least they were until WiFi Scotland harnessed the R100 voucher scheme to deploy a new Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network in the area.

For a retired couple in Craigellachie, the difference has been obvious. Previously, their best download speed was just 0.5Mbps, which on today’s modern internet is hardly usable. Mobile coverage was also unreliable, often forcing them to drive a mile away to complete online transactions. “It’s undeniably life-changing, and a relief. We can now manage our affairs efficiently, enjoy streaming without buffering, and stay in touch with our grandchildren hundreds of miles away,” said the couple.

Angus Munro, WiFi Scotland Partner, said:

“Working with the R100 SBVS has allowed us to deliver full fibre broadband to some of Scotland’s most rural areas. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact reliable, high-speed connectivity is having on people’s daily lives.”

The news didn’t include any details on the project’s total cost or a clear coverage map, although it’s clearly had a big impact and the hope is that the new network may eventually stretch beyond its currently quite limited patch of coverage. Sadly, the ISP hides its package details behind an availability checker, and we’re not sure precisely which addresses fall within the reach of this new network, thus we’re unable to uncover further package details.