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Hampshire-based alternative network builder and UK ISP toob, which has deployed a gigabit speed full fibre (FTTP) network across parts of South England and also harnesses CityFibre’s network in other areas, has announced that their own fibre network build has now covered over 8,000 homes in the large Hampshire village of Portchester.

The deployment in Portchester is said to have cost toob around £3 million to complete and appears to mark a return to fresh network build for the operator, which over the past year or two has often seemed to be more focused upon expanding their coverage via CityFibre’s existing FTTP network.

Apparently, this “initial roll out” in Portchester is just the beginning, with more homes due to be added across the area over the “coming months“, although toob doesn’t say how many more. But we should point out that the village is also well covered by Virgin Media’s (inc. nexfibre) gigabit-capable broadband network, with Openreach, Glide and CityFibre also having a smaller level of cover.

The network operator is currently being financed through equity from funds managed and advised by the Amber Infrastructure Group, as well as a large amount of debt financing provided by Ares Management’s Infrastructure Debt (here). At the end of 2023 this mix of equity and debt reflected a total commitment of £395m.

Nick Parbutt, toob CEO and Founder, said:

“Releasing this first phase of toob’s network build in Portchester is a great milestone for us and we’re really pleased to continue our investment within the local community. toob is committed to delivering fast, reliable broadband at an affordable price, and we look forward to connecting more homes across the area over the coming months.”

Customers of the service currently pay just £25 per month on an 18-month minimum contract term (or £37 if you want a monthly term) to receive symmetric speeds of 900Mbps+ (average advertised speed) from toob, which includes free installation, a wireless router, unlimited usage, a pledge of no mid-contract price hikes and UK-based support.

In addition, it’s worth mentioning that toob also offers a cheaper 150Mbps entry-level tier for just £22 per month on an 18-month term, as well as a separate 50Mbps Social Tariff (‘toob essentials’) for those on state benefits. The latter has no fixed contract term and costs just £20 per month.

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Network operator CityFibre has today announced that their high-speed fibre optic based Ethernet (leased line) services are now available to over 260,000 UK businesses (up from 80,000). The expansion has been underpinned by its nationwide upgrade to 10Gbps capable XGS-PON (FTTP) broadband technology.

Just to recap. CityFibre’s existing full fibre network covers 4.3 million UK premises (RFS). But this rollout also incorporates a dedicated Business Ethernet platform, designed specifically to support enterprise-grade service guarantees and bringing their full FTTP network online for its business ISPs.

The operator added that, over the past year, they’ve worked closely with partners to speed-up the installation of new business Ethernet connections by up to 40% (across their most complex Ethernet installations, where ‘permission to work’ has been agreed). CityFibre added that they’re also introducing a new “delivery assurance guarantee” to provide partners with the confidence of enhanced compensation for any unexpected delays to their installation date.

CityFibre added that they were also “committed to delivering the best economics“, with claims that its Ethernet prices are “up to 20% cheaper” than its “major competitors“. All of this sounds good, although their current top Ethernet tier still only offers symmetric speeds of 1Gbps, which at this end of the market is starting to look a little dated.

Andy Nash, Director of Business, Government and Mobile at CityFibre, said:

“Today’s announcement is a reminder that CityFibre is more than just a broadband network. We’re building a digital infrastructure platform that serves the needs of all sectors of the market, from consumer services right through to enterprise-level connectivity.

Our partners have called for a larger footprint and that is exactly what we are giving them. Tripling our business footprint transforms their addressable market and is a catalyst for growth and shared success. We look forward to our proposition of market leading products, service and economics benefitting even more businesses in the years ahead.”

CityFibre currently still aspires to cover up to 8 million UK premises with their new FTTP (XGS-PON) broadband network – representing c.30% of the UK. But their original target of hitting that by the end of 2025 will not be achieved, and the operator has instead shifted their strategy to focus more on growth via mergers and acquisition (M&A) of smaller alternative networks.

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Alternative rural broadband ISP Quickline has today reported that they’ve hit their “first milestones” as part of their state aid supported Project Gigabit broadband roll-out contracts for West and South Yorkshire. More than 10,000 rural premises now have access to their new full fibre (FTTP) network as a result, with more to come.

The provider is currently being backed by a private investment of £500m from Northleaf Capital Partners and aims to cover 200,000 premises with FTTP by the end of 2025 (up from 65,000 premises in Nov 2023). But as well as its own commercial builds, the operator also holds several state aid supported roll-out contracts for Yorkshire under the government’s £5bn Project Gigabit broadband programme.

The latest development thus reflects their contracts for both the West Yorkshire and York Area (Lot 8 – original aim of 28,000 premises, £60m) and South Yorkshire (Lot 20 – original aim of 32,100 premises, £44m). Each contract includes phased delivery targets and progress has been made on these.

By the end of March 2025, Quickline was required to connect 6,273 funded premises in West Yorkshire and the York area. This target was surpassed, with 6,426 homes and businesses connected, including premises in communities such as Harden, near Bingley and Bradshaw, near Thornton.

In South Yorkshire, the first milestone target of 3,621 addresses isn’t due until the end of June, but as of 31st March, Quickline has achieved this number, ahead of schedule. Communities benefiting include Barnby Dun, near Doncaster, Ealand, Keadby, and Todwick.

When including the addresses Quickline has reached as part of its commercial build across rural West and South Yorkshire, more than 30,000 addresses now have gigabit-capable connectivity.

Dan Hague, Project Gigabit Delivery Director at Quickline, said:

“These contracts are complex by nature, often involving challenging rural builds and limited existing infrastructure. That’s why we’re proud to not only hit, but exceed, our first milestones – particularly so in South Yorkshire.

We’re still in the early stages of our Project Gigabit contracts and have a long way to go, and we remain focused on staying on track and delivering the broadband connectivity that rural communities across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire need and deserve.

Thanks to the commitment of our teams and build partners, we’re connecting thousands of premises and making real progress on closing the digital divide.”

Telecoms Minister, Chris Bryant, said:

“Quickline’s exceptional progress in Yorkshire shows what can be achieved when government and industry work together to tackle digital inequality, ensuring people like Colin can make the most of the modern world no matter where they live.

By exceeding these first milestones and connecting over 10,000 government-funded properties ahead of schedule, we’re already delivering on our commitment to level up digital infrastructure across the country, creating a more connected Britain where geography is no barrier to opportunity.”

Residential customers reached by their new full fibre network are typically charged from £22 per month on a 24-month term for 100Mbps (50Mbps upload) speeds with free installation, which goes up to just £32.67 (average) for their top 1000Mbps symmetric speed tier. But the gigabit package is currently running a confusing discount, which means the first month is £49, then the next 8 months are free and after that it’s £49 monthly.

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Broadband and mobile provider Virgin Media and O2 (VMO2) has this morning claimed, as part of a new online survey conducted by Strand Partners, that 48% of UK pensioners are still unaware of the social tariffs that can offer “significant cost savings” to those on state benefits, such as Pension Credit, Universal Credit and others.

According to the survey, which we should caveat was conducted last month with 1,020 “nationally representative” members of the UK public (only 241 of those respondents were pensioners), some 33% of pensioners have felt more isolated or lonely in the past 12 months and the majority (81%) worry about the cost of living.

However, as above, almost half of pensioners say they’re unaware of providers offering discounted broadband and mobile deals to those receiving Pension Credit, with 34% of pensioners also being unsure of how to switch to a cheaper tariff.

Additional Survey Findings

➤ Staying connected with friends and family through calls, texts and video calls helps 68% of pensioners feel less lonely and more part of the world.

➤ 46% of pensioners say the rising cost of living has made them feel more isolated from their community and means they can’t afford to go out and socialise as much as they used to (48%). Many are visiting friends and family less due to travel costs (42%), and 28% worry about money so much that they feel anxious in social situations.

➤ 62% of pensioners believe digital technology helps them keep their independence.

➤ If faced with reduced mobile and internet connectivity for an extended period of time, pensioners cite concerns including being unable to contact someone in an emergency (72%), missing important family updates (58%), and not being able to access online GP appointments or other healthcare services (55%) and losing touch with friends (46%).

Mobile operator O2 points out that its £10 per month O2 Essential Plan is available for both new and existing customers who receive a range of benefit payments, and comes with 10GB of mobile data, plus unlimited calls and texts. The plan can be taken as a 30-day rolling contract, has no activation or exit fees, and no price changes while customers receive benefit payments. But cheaper commercial mobile plans do exist in the market.

Similarly, Virgin Media also offers several Essential Broadband tariffs, which typically enable those on state benefits to take an unlimited 15Mbps (2Mbps upload) connection on a 30-day rolling contract for just £12.50 per month, rising to £20 per month if you opt for their faster 54Mbps (5Mbps upload) tier. Plus, if you pay an extra £20 one-off, then you’re also able to add their new STREAM TV box (Flex).

Dana Haidan, VMO2’s Chief Sustainability Officer, said:

“With today’s research revealing pensioners feel increasingly isolated due to the rising cost of living, Virgin Media O2 is proud to offer a range of comprehensive measures to help people on low incomes to get online and stay in touch with loved ones.

Anyone who is receiving Pension Credit or a range of additional benefits are able to access our cut-price tariffs that offering broadband and mobile services starting from as little as £10.

We want to raise the profile of our broad range of support for people experiencing financial difficulties, helping to combat loneliness and keep the nation connected.”

Virgin Media has previously promised to help raise awareness of such tariffs, and today’s press release plays into that effort. Finally, a quick reminder. We know social tariffs can be a divisive topic for some, but that is not an excuse to abuse the comment system in order to post offensive remarks toward those who take state benefits. Such posts are against our rules and will be removed.

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

The solution allows riders on bus journeys to enjoy Wi-Fi connectivity via satellite

This week, satellite operator Viasat has announced that Brazilian transport operator Satélite Norte is the first to make use of its new Digital Bus solution.

Through the installation of Viasat hardware, Digital Bus combines satellite and cellular connectivity (when available) to provide onboard Wi-Fi services, even when driving in a remote location.

In tests, the solution showed provided consistent Wi-Fi performance on vehicles travelling from Goiânia, in the state of Goiás, to São Paulo, over 500 miles away.

In addition to benefits for customers, the integration of satellite connectivity also allows the transport company to better track, monitor, and manage its vehicle fleet. It will also allow for targeted and dynamic advertising, as well as a platform for gathering passenger feedback.

“Across many regions of the world buses are a key transport link – particularly in places where air travel is expensive, and rail routes are lacking,” said Andy Kessler, Vice President, Enterprise and Land Mobile at Viasat. “After launching Digital Bus earlier this month, we are proud to partner with Satélite Norte to bring our Digital Bus solution to Brazil. Together, we’re proving that reliable connectivity is transforming the passenger experience and helping operators digitize and elevate their entire operation. As premium road travel continues to grow, internet access is no longer a luxury, it’s an essential part of the journey.”

For Satélite Norte, this more reliable connectivity is viewed as a differentiator, allowing them to offer a service unavailable to competitors.

“Our partnership with Viasat aligns perfectly with our mission to offer comfort, innovation, and a differentiated experience to our passengers. We believe that high-quality onboard connectivity will become a competitive advantage and add even more value to our luxury route between Goiás and São Paulo,” said Waldir Sampaio, Executive Director of Satélite Norte.

Viasat says it is working with OEMs line-fit the solution in the near future.

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Also in the news:
SWR deploys Europe’s first ’Rail-5G’ Wi-Fi  
BT accelerates fibre rollout amid cost cuts
AT&T agrees $5.75 billion deal for Lumen’s consumer fibre asset

Original article ISPreview UK:Read More

Solihull-based UK business connectivity provider Convergence Group has announced the acquisition of the M247 Group‘s UK focused connectivity (broadband, Ethernet etc.) and IT services operations, which apparently includes its related infrastructure and personnel, for an undisclosed sum.

The divestment deal only impacts M247’s UK services, with its international operations remaining unaffected. M247 confirmed that its main focus would now be on its international, multi-jurisdictional, enterprise customers (credits to Comms Business).

Darryl Edwards, CEO of M247 Group, said: “This divestment is a pivotal step in aligning our business with our international growth strategy. By selling our UK-only connectivity and IT services operations to Convergence Group, we can sharpen our focus on delivering greater value to global enterprises. This move enables us to accelerate our expansion into high-growth technology sectors, including IoT and AI inference services.”

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Broadband ISP and mobile operator Vodafone have announced that they’ve “successfully completed tests of a major 5G software enhancement” with Nokia, Qualcomm Technologies and Xiaomi. The change, once deployed, promises to boost data (mobile broadband) throughput for users by nearly 25%.

The test, which involved a Xiaomi 15 Ultra Smartphone equipped with the Snapdragon® 8 Elite Mobile Platform (chipset) and Nokia’s latest Habrok 64 massive MIMO radios, essentially increased the use of Quadrature Amplitude Modulation (QAM) on their network from 256 to 1024.

The use of QAM is quite common in wireless networks and can be thought of as a way of getting greater efficiency out of existing radio spectrum. The method involves sending data by changing (modulating) two things about the signal – Amplitude (strength) and Phase (timing). Put another way, QAM-256 allows the use of 256 combinations (Symbols) of amplitude and phase, thus 1024 is a lot more complex but also allows you to send more bits of data.

In this case, Vodafone’s engineers and their partners managed to achieve download speeds of up to 1.7 Gigabits per second (Gbps) over 500 metres of distance on 3.5GHz spectrum (we assume they mean the band, rather than total spectrum frequency) – this occurred at their Ciudad Real centre in Spain. But the operator didn’t provide both the before and after figures together, although from the headline we assume they got 25% extra speed.

In this case, the technology aims to save energy by increasing data throughput and signal efficiency without the need for additional equipment at the mobile base station.

Alberto Ripepi, Chief Network Officer of Vodafone, said:

“We are looking at new ways to extract greater performance from our 5G networks to enhance the customer experience. Securing widespread support for this latest technology at the network level and within the latest smartphones will help us achieve that aim.”

Mark Atkinson, Senior VP and Head of Radio Access Networks at Nokia, said:

“This successful trial with Vodafone demonstrates the benefits of high-order modulation technology in delivering fast speeds with reduced capacity. Nokia is at the forefront of these advanced technologies that enable premium performance, support new enterprise and consumer services and deliver superior user experiences.”

Vodafone notes that traffic volumes on their UK network have grown 25-fold over the past ten years. Additionally, approximately 90% of all mobile data traffic across Europe uses the network downlink channel to users’ smartphones. Adopting 1024 QAM will naturally help to manage that rising demand.

The network operator said they “anticipate” that customers will be able to fully benefit from this 5G enhancement in the “near future“, particularly once more device manufacturers incorporate the technology into their products/chipsets.

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Internet provider Hey! Broadband, which reaches various areas covered by F&W Networks‘ (Fibre and Wireless) alternative gigabit speed full fibre (FTTP) lines – mostly across the South East of England, has cut their electronic waste by becoming the latest ISP to reuse customer-premises equipment (CPE) – like home routers and optical modems (ONT).

The idea of reusing consumer broadband routers and Optical Network Terminals (ONTs) is nothing new and several internet providers, such as BT (inc. EE and Plusnet) and Virgin Media, are already known to do something similar in order to reduce their e-Waste (and probably some costs too), while also lessening their environmental impact.

However, F&W Networks points out that their joint sustainability journey began with notable challenges, not least because reusing routers initially proved more expensive than sourcing new ones. Nevertheless, the company continued to invest in the programme. Each device is now screened and tested to ensure it is fully fit for purpose, with multiple trials undertaken to verify performance following firmware updates and upgrades.

The initiative has since scaled-up to include not only routers, but also ONTs and Smart WiFi (wireless extender) units. All reused equipment undergoes secure data erasure, diagnostics, and quality assurance testing. Hey! Broadband continues to deliver symmetrical speeds exceeding 900Mbps — and states that “customers using refurbished devices experience the same high performance, reliability, and security as with brand-new hardware“.

Xavier Balleste, Chief Operations Officer at F&W Networks, said:

“At F&W Networks, sustainability is at the core of how we operate. Reusing routers and ONTs is a practical way to reduce our carbon footprint, avoid unnecessary manufacturing, and support the principles of a circular economy. Our goal is to successfully reuse 90% of all returned equipment — and we’re proud of the meaningful progress we’ve already made.”

Lourdes Saez, CEO of Hey!Broadband, said:

“We believe small, deliberate changes across our industry can collectively deliver a big impact. This initiative enables us not only to lessen our environmental footprint, but also to offer customers more competitive prices without compromising quality. It is a win-win — for the planet and for broadband users.”

F&W has so far managed to extend their gigabit-capable broadband network to cover 410,000 UK premises read-for-service (Feb 2024 data) across 30 locations in parts of South East of England, such as Greater London, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and West Sussex. The operator is also home to a growing customer base of over 35,000.

The network is also supported by a number of other ISPs (Octaplus, Link Broadband, Home Telecom and more), although it’s not known if they have a similar scheme.

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The UK Government’s Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, has today delivered her 2025 Spending Review, which included a few bits of new information and updated figures for telecoms. But as well as confirming £1.9bn for broadband and mobile projects (existing commitments), it also appeared to reflect a delay to the gigabit broadband roll-out from 2030 to 2032.

The latest Spending Review sets out the planned day-to-day spending totals for all government departments for the years from 2026/27 to 2028/29, and investment spending plans for a further year (from 2026/27 to 2029/30). This covers all the spending that can reasonably be planned in advance, making up about 40% of all public spending (the remaining spending is usually driven by demand that can’t be planned, such as benefits).

The UK telecoms industry will be keeping a close eye on the latest review, not least for any potential dilution in terms of the government’s commitment toward fixed broadband and mobile networks. The previous Autumn 2024 Budget already committed “over £500m of funding next year” for “improving reliable fast broadband and mobile coverage across our country, including in rural areas“, but the Spending Review covers a wider period.

However, over the past few months we’ve also seen talk about the government potentially cutting some of the c.£2bn that remained unspent within their £5bn Project Gigabit broadband roll-out scheme (i.e. expanding gigabit-capable broadband “nationwide” (c.99% of the UK) by 2030), as well as potentially also reducing their £501m commitment to the £1bn industry-led Shared Rural Network (SRN) project that is expanding 4G mobile coverage into rural areas.

Speaking of which, mobile operators have also been pressing the government for changes in annual licence fees, planning and other areas to help boost 4G and 5G deployments (here). But much of that is perhaps more of a focus for the forthcoming Infrastructure Strategy than this review.

What’s in the 2025 Spending Review

Overall, there isn’t a lot of detail on broadband and mobile matters in the full Spending Review 2025 Document, but this did stick out.

Spending Review Statement on Broadband and Mobile

The SR provides £1.9 billion over the SR period for Building Digital UK (BDUK) to deliver the next phase in the transformation of the country’s digital infrastructure. This includes:

➤ Connecting more homes and businesses to gigabit-capable broadband to reach 99% of UK premises by 2032. BDUK will focus delivery in this SR period on achieving greater coverage in Scotland and Wales, and refresh delivery plans ahead of the Spending Review 2027; and

➤ Working with industry to deliver the Shared Rural Network so the most remote areas have 4G coverage.

This settlement provides up to £1.9 billion over the SR period to deliver a modern digital government. This includes the rollout of new products and services such as the GOV.UK Wallet and App, and productivity-enhancing AI tools across the public sector, and replacing legacy systems.

Ofcom currently forecasts that gigabit-capable broadband should reach around 97-98% of UK premises by May 2027 (here) and so the reality here is that the country should still get very close to that 99% figure by 2030. On the other hand, Project Gigabit, which is focused on upgrading the hardest-to-reach areas (often remote rural locations) has recently suffered a number of contract failures as alternative networks pulled out.

For example, alternative network operator FullFibre Limited recently “mutually agreed to terminate” their Project Gigabit broadband roll-out contracts for the Derbyshire Peak District and Herefordshire area (here), which came after Voneus did the same for Mid West Shropshire (here) and Freedom Fibre followed for Cheshire (here).

The losses aren’t huge, but they do help to underline the wider challenges in today’s market (i.e. higher build costs, high interest rates, competition etc.), which could make tackling that final 1-2% of premises even more of a challenge – one that it seems will now take a couple of years longer than previously planned to resolve. On the flip side, it’s positive that the government has finally confirmed a solid funding pledge to tackle this area.

UPDATE 1:57pm

The first comment has just come in.

Till Sommer, Head of Policy, ISPA UK, said:

“The rollout of gigabit broadband is one of the largest infrastructure projects of its generation, funded overwhelmingly by industry. With 86% of homes now able to access gigabit speeds, we’re at a critical juncture with rollout. The remaining 14% are the most challenging to connect, and this is exactly where Project Gigabit funding matters most to deliver on a new government target of 99% gigabit-capable broadband to UK premises by 2032.

We welcome the £1.9 billion committed over this Spending Review period, which will be important in fuelling the Government’s growth agenda, with digital connectivity providing the backbone of the growth areas in the Government’s Industrial Strategy.

Equally, we urge the Government to double down on efforts to reduce barriers to rollout, to ensure that additional funding is translated into connectivity gains as soon as possible. Clear, consistent support for Project Gigabit is essential if we are to finish the job and ensure no community is left behind in the UK’s digital future.”

Original article Total Telecom:Read More

News

The deal includes cloud and telecoms infrastructure, as well as the supply of over 5,000 laptops

A partnership between Proximus and Thales has won a contract to modernise the IT infrastructure of NATO’s Communications and Information Agency (NCIA).

The project, which will run until the end of 2029, will see the partners “provide a state-of-the-art integrated technology ecosystem to revolutionize the operations and collaboration of NCIA users”, according to a press release from Proximus.

The deal will see Thales provide secure cloud infrastructure to the organisation, while Proximus will provide Wi-Fi infrastructure at NATO sites in The Hague, Netherlands, and Braine l’Alleud, Belgium.

In addition, Proximus and Thales will provide NCIA with various managed services, including cloud, cybersecurity, platform administration, networking, and end-user devices, including over 5,000 new laptops.

Combined, these services are expected to enhance NCIA’s capabilities, improve compatibility, and ensure optimal performance.

“By outsourcing standard services to trusted industry leaders, NCIA is taking a forward-looking approach that guarantees a fully managed, secure and scalable solution,” said Alex Bottero, Vice President Network Systems and Infrastructure at Thales.

Financial details of the deal were not revealed, but it could be worth over €100 million according to Belgian newspaper L’Echo.

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