Startup Stories
Showcasing the most exciting startups exhibiting at this year’s Connected Britain conference
4Fibre is a startup focused on providing innovative fibre installation solutions catering to the needs of freeholders, residents, and Communication Service Providers (CSPs). Our company is dedicated to delivering high-quality installations and building a strong reputation within the industry.
Our primary goal is to offer a seamless fibre infrastructure that protects the properties of freeholders while ensuring residents have access to a choice of multiple CSPs through a single, neutral-hosted installation. This setup not only simplifies the process for freeholders by requiring only one wayleave agreement but also alleviates the burden of wayleave acquisition for CSPs. This approach is particularly beneficial for high risk and difficult-to-wire buildings, such as listed buildings and tower blocks, where traditional installation methods might face resistance from freeholders.
4Fibre’s solution significantly reduces installation disruptions, presents a cleaner and tidier aesthetic, and minimises management time for property owners. Additionally, our services are designed to be environmentally sustainable, reducing the overall carbon footprint associated with multiple installations.
By streamlining the wayleave process and offering a platform-neutral infrastructure, 4Fibre supports CSPs in delivering high-speed internet services efficiently and effectively, even in challenging installation scenarios.
What inspired you to start this company?
Our parent company, SCCI, has been a cornerstone in the industry for many years, specialising in the installation of security, media, and fibre infrastructure in to Multi Dwelling Units. This extensive experience revealed a growing problem as the industry began receiving significant investments: properties were becoming over-wired, with multiple service providers leaving behind unsightly and redundant cables. This issue was particularly noticeable in urban areas like London, where it was not uncommon to see three or four coil looms left outside each window of some buildings.
Our Operations Director has over 35 years of experience in the industry. His engineering background and keen eye for detail made him acutely aware of the negative impact this over-wiring had on the aesthetic and structural integrity of buildings. His firsthand observations of the clutter and inefficiency left behind by multiple providers inspired the creation of 4Fibre. He realised that a more streamlined, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing solution was necessary to protect freeholders’ properties and improve the overall installation process.
His vision and commitment to improving industry standards have been the driving force behind 4Fibre. His extensive experience and dedication to innovation are at the heart of our mission.
What impact do you hope your startup will have on the industry or society?
We aim to make a substantial impact on the industry and society by simplifying infrastructure, promoting sustainability, and enhancing digital access. Our neutral-hosted infrastructure reduces the need for multiple installations, preserving building aesthetics, and reducing disruption for residents, making maintenance easier and more cost-effective. By minimising the physical infrastructure required, we help reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of fibre installations, contributing to a more sustainable future and aligning with global efforts towards eco-friendly solutions. Our solutions make high-speed internet more accessible, even in challenging installation scenarios like listed buildings and tower blocks, ensuring that more people can benefit from reliable internet access, essential for activities like remote work and online education.
What makes your product or service unique?
What makes 4Fibre’s service unique is its neutral-hosted infrastructure, which supports multiple CSPs with a single installation, reducing physical clutter and providing residents with more choices. Additionally, the simplified wayleave process requires only one agreement for freeholders, easing administrative burdens for both property owners and CSPs. Our approach also minimises visual impact and reduces the environmental footprint.
Can you share some key milestones or achievements?
We are extremely proud that 4Fibre has won three awards over the last two years at the UK Fibre Awards. It means a lot to us that the industry is recognising that the work we are doing is making a difference.
Recently, we completed our largest single scheme at Park West on Edgeware Road. The site, which includes 530 apartments, required the installation of 2,120 fibre connections distributed across 19 cabinets, all linked to a single meet-me point. This efficient setup allows CSPs to deliver their services to all apartments immediately upon activation, ensuring residents have seamless access to high-speed internet from day one.
What are you most looking forward to at Connected Britain?
We are looking forward to the opportunity to connect with both freeholders and service providers. Our goal is to demonstrate the numerous advantages of integrating 4Fibre into their operations. 4Fibre offers a range of benefits designed to enhance efficiency, improve connectivity, and support future growth. We believe that through direct engagement, freeholders and service providers will gain a comprehensive understanding of how 4Fibre can meet their specific needs and contribute to their success. We look forward to discussing how our innovative solutions can help streamline processes.
Find 4Fibre at booth S131 at this year’s Connected Britain conference, the UK’s largest digital economy event
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