Original article ISPreview UK:Read More
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.