UK ISP Zen Internet today says they’ve become the first broadband wholesaler to offer the latest 1.2Gbps and 1.8Gbps download speed capable packages (uploads of 120Mbps) over Openreach’s Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network. But the announcement doesn’t say precisely when Zen’s own retail customers will be able to order it.
Openreach officially launched the two new multi-Gigabit tiers on 1st April 2024 (summary). But so far the lack of support by key wholesale suppliers (here) has meant that only a tiny number of retail broadband ISPs have been able to launch related packages for consumers and businesses (e.g. EE and Freeola). Zen’s latest move may help to change that.
One of Zen’s Partners (they’re home to over 700), business provider PCQ, recently became the first on their platform to trial the product with an end-user, connecting a golf resort to 1.8Gbps broadband. At present the new products are still limited in their availability by Zen’s own platform, which means that they’re only available to 5.5 million premises, but this should rise.
Andrew Sayle, Zen’s Connectivity Portfolio Manager, said:
“I am thrilled that Zen was the first broadband wholesaler to offer Openreach’s latest speeds. It really solidifies our commitment to providing the best service and value add we can to our partner base.
We are also looking at introducing the multi-gig broadband technology to our consumer base, the details of which we will share when available.”
Sadly, there’s still no word on precisely when Zen’s own consumer packages will introduce the new tiers, but it shouldn’t be too long. Similarly, the provider has yet to introduce 2Gbps services via CityFibre’s network, which they also harness.