Network operator FullFibre Limited (Fibre Heroes), which has already built their open access Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network to cover 380,000 UK premises, has today announced that they’ve improved their internet security features by adopting Gigabit IQ’s FamilyGuard+ and CyberGuard+ services.
The announcement, which somewhat confusingly came via retail ISP BeFibre, requires some additional context because Gigabit IQ is also the new name of alternative rural broadband ISP Grayshott Gigabit, which has deployed FTTP around rural parts of East Hampshire (e.g. the Surrey Hills and surrounding areas). But they don’t only build their own rural FTTP networks, and have also developed the FamilyGuard+ and CyberGuard+ services.
The Over The Top (OTT) style services are designed to offer features like Parental Controls with age-based content filters to block harmful content and social media apps, as well as providing an array of cybersecurity features to help defend against web threats like malware and viruses.
So far as we can tell, this deal appears to mean that other UK ISPs on FullFibre’s broadband network will now have the additional option of being able to offer the FamilyGuard+ and CyberGuard+ services to their own customers.
Paul May, Head of Channel Management at FullFibre, said:
“We’re really excited to be partnering with Gigabit IQ, who deliver even more choice and value added services to customers looking to connect to the FullFibre network. A big part of our ethos at FullFibre is to level the digital landscape across the UK, and Gigabit IQ’s innovative offerings are helping us fulfil this ambition”.
Mashood Ahmad, Managing Director at Gigabit IQ, said:
“As part of our mission, Gigabit IQ is committed to empowering communities with quality, high-speed internet while prioritising online safety. By leveraging FullFibre’s robust network, we’re thrilled to connect more families with services that put safety and speed first.”
The move is interesting, as we would normally expect wholesale providers to focus on just providing connectivity solutions, while leaving value-added extras like those mentioned above up to the retail providers to sort out for themselves. But in this case, FullFibre seems to be taking a deeper approach by providing optional solutions closer to the retail level too.