Andrew Belshaw

This investment and build milestone reinforces Neos Networks’ ability to meet the data‑intensive needs of the market and support the UK government’s AI ambitions, which require best‑in‑class connectivity.

59

The real-life manifestation of this problem are the all too common posts in the LinkedIn feeds of fibre operators, from disappointed customers asking why their promised connection date has been missed... and missed... and missed again. It should surprise no-one that concerns around service interruption are the main barrier in the UK to broadband switching.

7

Many thanks to INCA - Independent Networks Cooperative Association for inviting me to be on the first panel at their ‘State of the Altnets 2026’ event yesterday in London. I really enjoyed the discussions throughout the day, and the chance to catch up with colleagues from across the altnet community. My sense is that market sentiment will improve this year, and my main messages during the panel discussion were: 1)       Some altnets are performing well (in terms of take-up and/or ARPU) – this is often overlooked by some market commentators – we need to get past the view that it’s all ‘doom and gloom’ 2)       Recent M&A activity, notably the nexfibre/Netomnia and Freedom Fibre/Truespeed transactions, is likely to have a positive and catalysing effect on the sector 3)       Gigaclear’s turnaround by its lenders is also expected to be positive for the market, and may re-open the possibility of a rural aggregation play down the line.

84

3 Comments

🚀 Why now is a defining moment to invest in Gigabit IQ 👉 Already 85% funded on private live on Seedrs (Republic Europe) 👉 Going public live next week 👉 Limited allocation | EIS eligible 🔗 https://lnkd.in/evwrFMv3 The UK broadband market is at a once-in-a-generation inflection point — and Gigabit IQ is positioned right at the centre of it. We’re not just building fast broadband. We’re building what we believe is the UK’s safest and most intelligent broadband provider, designed for the regulatory, social, and technological realities shaping the next decade. Here’s why this moment matters: • Full Fibre adoption is accelerating nationwide, driving mass migration away from legacy connections • The PSTN switch-off is forcing millions of homes and businesses to upgrade • Online Safety regulation is no longer optional — Ofcom and the Online Safety Act are redefining ISP responsibility • The Cybersecurity Bill is raising the bar on how networks are actively managed and protected These changes don’t favour legacy ISPs built on volume and call centres. They favour providers built around managed Wi-Fi, proactive security, and family protection — exactly where Gigabit IQ is already operating. Our model combines: ✔️ Full Fibre performance ✔️ Network-level online safety ✔️ Managed Wi-Fi and cybersecurity ✔️ Community-led growth and trust If you’re looking to invest at the intersection of infrastructure, safety, and long-term regulation-driven demand, this is the moment. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/evwrFMv3 #InvestInGigabitIQ #Crowdfunding #EIS #BroadbandInvestment #FullFibre #OnlineSafety #CyberSecurity #FutureOfBroadband

8

The acquisition bandwagon continues for Wireless Logic Ltd with the announcement that it has bought Comms365 Limited. Link here: https://lnkd.in/ew96JrAc Wireless Logic and its strategy (including for M&A) is discussed at length, along with dozens of its peers, in our CSP IoT Peer Benchmarking Report, which can be found here: https://lnkd.in/esGV2-N4

53

One of the UK’s largest alternative full fibre broadband operators, Netomnia (inc. retail ISPs Brsk and YouFibre), has deployed a Smartoptics ROADM-based core network across the UK that should deliver scalable IP over DWDM at 100G and 400G wavelengths and is even classed as being “800G-ready by design” (800Gbps if you prefer). Just for some context.  Netomnia’s 10Gbps speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network currently covers 2.4 million UK premises (RFS) and has connected 310,000 customers. But they’re also aiming to expand their network to reach 3 million premises by the end of 2025 and then 5 million by the end of 2027 (inc. 1 million customers by 2028). Read more: https://lnkd.in/eizHqaAu UKFCF: https://www.ukfcf.org.uk/ #UKFCF #FullFibre #FibreConnectivity #GigabitBroadband #DigitalConnectivity #FibreBroadband #UltrafastBrandband #ProjectGigabit #UKConnectivity #DigitalInclusion #ConnectCommunities

19

1 Comment

An indicator for the future path. Ultimately copper based technologies will disappear from the markets, which is a good thing from a sustainability / energy consumption perspective, but exactly when is unclear because of the difficulty of covering that last 3 to 6% of homes with fibre.

1

Fair and balanced summary from telcotitans in relation to the on-going need for Ofcom to review PIA pricing models in the latest Telecoms Access Review. Fibrus is a large user of the Openreach PIA products in NI and GB and they work very well operationally for us. However, the current outdated per metre pricing model needs reviewed for rural builds to take into account distance between premises at 20 times greater than urban prems. Ofcom complete a telecoms access review every 5 years so time is of the essence to act now to properly review and update. #fibrus

16

Bringing strong connectivity to rural places matters to BT Group, and to our customers. And today marks a real step forward for Penmachno, a small Welsh village tucked into the Machno Valley, now fully connected for the first time. It means local businesses can serve customers more easily, visitors can stay connected in the scenic hills and families can reach the services they rely on without having to travel elsewhere. This is the difference reliable mobile coverage makes. It supports daily life, gives local economies room to grow and strengthens the services people depend on. Penmachno shows what happens when we work with communities to bring lasting change. There is more to do across Wales. And this is part of a broader initiative to support the Welsh economy through digital infrastructure, and awareness of #cybersecurity and #AI. BT Business is proud of what we do to support growth and digital transformation in Wales and we look forward to continuing for many years to come. #digital #wales #smallbusiness

170

3 Comments

It seems that the lenders finally took control at G.Network Communications and forced the sale to a distressed debt specialist. One of the reasons that the altnet consolidation story is taking so long to play out is that management and equity investors retain control until they can't any longer (due to funding reserves drying up or breaching debt covenants with lenders who are losing faith). It's typically in their interest to keep the dream alive, but our view is that for most retail altnets, consolidation under CityFibre or Virgin Media O2 is likely to be in their interest sooner rather than later when first-mover premiums may be up for grabs, and standalone financials are unlikely to materially improve as they hold out. Once lenders lose faith, they tend to take decisive action seeking a quick resolution and maximum cash (even if at a significant loss as we expect has been the case in this deal). FitzWalter Capital are likely to see themselves as interim owners only, but there is a risk that a buyer from them does not emerge given the seeming absence of alternative buyers thus far. Nice scoop from Kieran Smith at Financial Times Enders Analysis subscribers can read our latest research on G Network and other altnets here https://lnkd.in/erQifXHE James Barford Artemis Loynes Henry Millen

88

10 Comments

A first for the UK, and for Europe! Today Virgin Media O2 switched on direct-to-device satellite mobile data, making the UK the first country in Europe to go live with this technology. It’s a huge step forward for connectivity and a proud moment for everyone who’s worked to bring it to life. For our customers, it means peace of mind in some of the most rural and remote parts of the country, many of which have long been known as not-spots. We’ve extended coverage across an area the size of two-thirds of Wales, keeping people connected when it matters most. So proud of our teams, partners, and the ambition behind this. And even more excited for what it signals about the UK’s digital future!

45

The UK landline network is changing - and many organisations don’t realise how close that change is. 🦆 Traditional phone services built on PSTN and ISDN are being retired across the UK as the telecom industry moves to digital technologies. Services such as Digital Voice, VoIP, and All-IP will replace the legacy analogue network before the January 2027 deadline. For most organisations, the shift itself is straightforward. The real challenge is understanding what existing lines actually support. Systems like alarms, payment terminals, lift phones, and other connected devices may still rely on analogue connections. Reviewing your telecom estate early helps avoid disruption and ensures your transition to digital services happens smoothly. Learn what your lines support before the switch happens. #GetYourDucksInARow #ISDNPSTNTelecomSwitchOff #AnalogueSwitchOff #DigitalSwitchOnn #TelecomTransformation #FutureProofConnectivity

6

Sky is setting a new standard in UK broadband. Thanks to our partnership with CityFibre, which officially launches today, we’re reaching even more homes with connectivity that meets the needs of modern life 🏠 We’re excited to introduce our Full Fibre 2.5 Gigafast+ and 5 Gigafast+ packages, as well as our Gigafast+ hub. As our most advanced hub yet, it’s built with WiFi 7 technology, developed in partnership with Comcast 🛜 This is about more than fast speeds. It’s about powering possibilities, from remote work to entertainment and gaming, and we’re proud to be accelerating full fibre roll-out to future-proof UK homes. 𝘍𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘢𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 5𝘎𝘣/𝘴 𝘢𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘨𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘸𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘢𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘦𝘦𝘥 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘚𝘬𝘺 𝘍𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘍𝘪𝘣𝘳𝘦 5 𝘎𝘪𝘨𝘢𝘧𝘢𝘴𝘵+. 𝘔𝘢𝘫𝘰𝘳 𝘜𝘒 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘷𝘪𝘥𝘦𝘳𝘴 𝘢𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘤𝘰𝘨𝘯𝘪𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘖𝘧𝘤𝘰𝘮. 𝘌𝘹𝘤𝘭𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘢𝘱𝘱𝘭𝘺. 𝘝𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘧𝘺 𝘢𝘵: https://lnkd.in/gXeh_bHZ

840

14 Comments

It’s exciting times for the UK fibre broadband sector. The last three months has seen some significant changes in the investment environment in the sector. Edinburgh-based GoFibre has just announced a significant £125m funding boost—led by the Scottish National Investment Bank and Hamburg Commercial Bank—to accelerate the rollout of full fibre broadband across rural Scotland as part of government-backed Project Gigabit. This new investment supports delivery to 130,000 premises, solidifying GoFibre’s reputation as a major independent provider driving digital inclusivity in underserved communities. CityFibre—the UK’s third-largest broadband network—recently closed a massive £2.26bn financing package, including £500m of new equity and nearly £2bn in debt and acquisition facilities. This enables CityFibre to turbocharge its UK-wide network expansion and pursue acquisitions, deepening market consolidation and creating more competitive tension with incumbents and altnets alike. We’ve also seen Grain Connect achieve a further £225m of funding from Equitix, Quickline secure a further £250m loan and debt package and other regional players securing new rounds of funding to expand network footprints, such as Wessex Fibre. Collectively, these investments underscore the fierce battle for market share as operators race to meet the government’s nationwide full fibre coverage ambitions. What does this mean for the UK market? The latest funding rounds are a clear sign that fibre deployment—especially to rural and “hard-to-reach” areas—is accelerating fast. The market is maturing, with significant capital flowing not just to large players, but also to regionally-focused challengers like GoFibre, Quickline and Wessex. Intense competition will drive better products, prices, and innovation for both urban and rural consumers. Regional connectivity improvements will feed local economies and help close the digital divide, a key pillar for UK economic growth in the digital age. It’s a pivotal moment: scale, speed, and sustainability are now the winning criteria for altnets and traditional providers alike. The next few years will be transformational for UK connectivity - watch this space everyone! #FibreBroadband #UKTech #Infrastructure #DigitalInclusion #ProjectGigabit

53

4 Comments

Connectivity is a key differentiator in PBSA and serviced accommodation. The right managed broadband solution can improve resident satisfaction, reduce operational issues and strengthen asset performance. Take a look at the below post & blog for more informaiton.

10

Last week we launched our latest Mobile Net Zero report, which showed the industry's operational emissions fell by 8% between 2019 and 2023, while mobile connections rose 9% and data traffic nearly quadrupled. Almost half of the reported drop was driven by the increased use of renewables, with operators more than doubling purchases of renewable electricity since 2019. Reaching net zero by 2050 will require the industry's overall emissions to fall by 7.5% per year until 2030 - more than double the average annual rate achieved to date. While the scale of the challenge is significant, recent developments show progress is possible! Download the Mobile Net Zero report to understand the mobile industry’s journey so far and our next steps from here: https://bit.ly/4lgD390

45

Yesterday we held Women in Telecoms Group 3rd Anniversary!! It has been a busy 3 years for the group and we are immensely proud of what we have achieved as a collective but also what we have each achieved as individuals. Nicola Kemp did a fab job showcasing this in the video uploaded, so a big shout out to you! Part of our celebration we were joined by Irina Iovita, who presented to the group the findings from 2025 Lovelace Report; Unlocking £2-3.5 Billion The Value of keeping Women in Tech. I would like to say, that I wouldn't be shocked by their findings but I was, that figure is HUGE!! Change has to happen for the following reasons from the report they ran, these are the figures: 📈 7% of women leave the industry compared the +11.5% of men 📈 80% of women have recently switched roles or are interesterd in exiting their tech role 📈 60% earn less then £100k compared to the male average of £150k 📈 25% see limited direction and opportunity in their career pathway 📈 Surprisingly, as this has been the narrative in the past, only 3% cited caring commitments the reason for leaving. The takeaway from this, more needs to be done to attract, retain and progress women in the tech industry. Especially given it is estimated that 98-120,000 more tech professionals are needed to meet the UK's AI and Digital demands. We then had Ruth Sloss to give our group a interactive coaching session on; Seeing the Value in Ourselves. We may not be able to impact the above immediately within the industry but we can impact it for ourselves. I found this session fun but extremely useful for future tips, that I will definitely use. ☀️ We can develop our EQ ☀️ Low self confidence should not hold back your career ☀️ Remember your posture ☀️ Breathe ☀️ Be conscious of the words you use, "Just" and "Sorry" ☀️ What if Imposter was actually a critical friend? ☀️ Listen , Evidence and Learning It really was a fantastic afternoon, spent with the best women! You all inspire me everyday with everything you achive and do in your careers and personal life, We love celebrating this, which we did with our "Shout Outs" so keep them coming! Shout Out to Maisie Taylor Allie Pennington Obiageli (Obii) O. for your new roles Nicola Kemp Jen Kierce for your hard work on the podcasts and Fiona Kearns for your contimued support and hard work on our Career dev group to create the mentoring group. Here's to year 4 which we foresee to be bigger and busier than the last so remember to get involve! Natalie Strange and I want you all to be part of this and join us in our conitnued support and impacting for change! Remember, Our voices together are louder and stronger! #womenintelecoms #ccuk

48

7 Comments

Today Fibrus submitted its views to the Ofcom Telecoms Access Review. Meanwhile, yesterday, Chancellor Rachael Reeves demonstrated the pressure on funding for rural Broadband for Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and Building Digital UK (BDUK) by refusing to extend the commitments made in the previous (2020) spending review. Times are hard and funding is a challenge. One simple way to make funding go further is to fix the madness that is rural pole rental costs. Regulatory rules currently force rural operators to incur regulated costs up to 20 times higher than others and mean fibre network builders pay Openreach for copper they will never use. Fixing this could reduce the subsidy required to deliver the same outcome by as much as 25%. We have a confluence of events here and if we don't act - rural fibre simply will not happen.

94

1 Comment

Exchange Closure The Clock Is Ticking So in the last 3 months that have been more than 10 articles written about WLR closure and the need to get all the copper lines closed by the end of the year As many of us have been highlighting for the last 12 months, there is still a lot of resistance to this from the end customers, be they older consumer customers who still like there old simple phone to national Enterprise & Critical National Infrastructure providers with complicated applications attached to the lines Ramping up prices will help the OR partners to apply pressure, but there is still a likelihood by the end of the year there will be a tail and OR’s recent SOGEA offer in FTTP enabled areas highlights this risks of planning and delivering potentially complex migrations However, what isn’t still getting much airtime is the OR Exchange Closure Programme running in parallel.  Between now and 2030 OR intends to close 105 exchanges in phases between now and then as the precursor to closing over 4,000 exchanges through 2030 as they move to the 1,000 OHP’s to run the national network for NGA.  The first phase of 12 exchanges is starting imminently and partners have to have ceased all the customer services by mid 28 and removed their infrastructure by the end of that year – in return OR is offering their partners incentives and bespoke engineering processes – if the partners fail to have moved a large number of their Phase 1 services by mid 27 there are likely to be considerable commercial implications for their partners and as such there will be a massive ramp up of Partner forced Migrations and Optimisations on complex Enterprise and CNI networks over the next 12 months sString is well placed and impartial to help partners navigate these challenges and to also help their complex end customers understand the implications to their networks and the best use of technologies and supply partners to help them transition their bases as smoothly as possible and set themselves up to leverage the benefits of full fibre, Digital and AI environments as they rapidly develop over the next 5 years If anyone wants more detail behind this there are a number of interesting articles on acuityinsight.net or you can reach out on Linkedin The clock is ticking

19