Network operator Neos Networks, which runs one of the biggest 34,000km long business fibre networks in the UK – spanning 550 exchanges, 90+ data centres and 676 Points of Presence (PoPs), has announced that they’ve expanded their strategic partnership with wholesale fibre optic FTTP broadband builder CityFibre to boost Ethernet availability.
In case anybody has forgotten, CityFibre and Neos Networks have long had a partnership that enables both sides to take more advantage of each other’s respective fibre networks, albeit often only in certain locations. The new deal will increase the availability of CityFibre’s National Ethernet network by 50% on Neos Networks’ LIVEQUOTE platform, offering more options for UK businesses.
Neos’ announcement appears to be keen to highlight the advantages of CityFibre’s new 10Gbps capable XGS-PON based full fibre network, although it’s worth noting that they’re still rolling this out (latest update) and are currently “on track to double our XGS-PON footprint to 40% by the end of the year” (Ready for Service premises). But they’ve already got the actual equipment deployed into over 90% of their fibre exchanges (FEX).
Lee Myall, CEO at Neos Networks, said:
“Neos Networks is committed to offering the most comprehensive connectivity solutions for businesses across the UK. CityFibre has helped us expand the reach of the last-mile Ethernet services we can offer to meet the growing demands of our customers. By bringing more Ethernet choice onto our LIVEQUOTE platform, we’re strengthening our ability to deliver a diverse range of high-performance, scalable connectivity solutions that are critical to UK businesses’ digital success.”
Andrew Wilson, Sales Director Wholesale at CityFibre, said:
“By expanding our Ethernet network on LIVEQUOTE, we aim to make it easier for businesses to access our high-performance Ethernet network to support their digital ambitions. Our combined network footprints offer a comprehensive solution for any business that wants a viable, faster, and cheaper alternative to the incumbent solutions in the market.”
CityFibre’s wider FTTP network currently covers c.4 million premises, but they aspire to cover up to 8 million UK premises with their new full fibre network (funded by c.£2.4bn in equity, c.£4.9bn debt and c.£800m of BDUK / public subsidy) – representing c.30% of the UK. So far, they’ve also connected 400,000 customers (8th May 2024), but are known to be hunting for fresh investment (here).