Leeds-based internet provider Unchained ISP appears to have recently complemented their existing range of Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) packages on Openreach’s national network by launching a similar range via alternative network operator CityFibre, albeit with a few notable benefits.
The new packages naturally have the benefit of symmetrical speeds (same download and upload rate) and they’re also being offered on a short 30-day minimum contract term (the Openreach packages are on 12-month terms). Otherwise, packages on both networks include a Static IP address and apply a £25 one-off installation fee.
The above may help to explain why the new 160Mbps CityFibre package from Unchained ISP costs a fairly hefty £55 per month and their 1Gbps plan is £70 per month, which certainly isn’t the cheapest (quite a few CityFibre providers offer 1Gbps for a lot less, albeit usually on a longer term and often without the static IP). Credits to Phil for spotting.
CityFibre currently aspires to cover up to 8 million UK premises with their new FTTP network (funded by c.£2.4bn in equity, c.£4.9bn debt and c.£800m of BDUK subsidy) – across around 300 cities, towns and villages (c.30% of the UK). But it remains unclear precisely when this will be achieved (the original goal was the end of 2025), although their current build + M&A plan may get them up to c.6m (if it all goes well).