TalkTalk launches new company to rollout full fibre plans in North Yorkshire towns
Telecommunications company TalkTalk has announced the launch of a new company to build a new broadband network across the UK.
The company, FibreNation, aims to roll out full fibre infrastructure to make broadband faster for three million homes and businesses.
TalkTalk confirmed that the first three towns to benefit from this new infrastructure will be Harrogate, Ripon and Knaresborough.
The rollout builds upon TalkTalk’s full fibre trial in York, which has seen the city benefit from Britain’s fastest internet. The combined footprint will reach over 100,000 homes and businesses.
Full fibre is one hundred times faster than standard broadband. With speeds of 1000mbps, customers can download a HD film in seven seconds, compared to 25 minutes on a standard connection.
The announcement comes as the government sets out targets to increase the number of homes served by full fibre.
Britain currently ranks almost last in Europe for full fibre availability. Only 5% of the UK homes and businesses have access to the technology, compared to over 80% elsewhere in Europe.
The government hopes 15 million homes and businesses will benefit from full fibre services by 2025.
TalkTalk will be the first customer on FibreNation, wholesaling access to the network to sell full fibre services to its customers.
This announcement comes as TalkTalk reported a seventh consecutive quarter of growth, having added over 100,000 customers over the last six months.
Tristia Harrison, CEO of TalkTalk, said: “We’re delighted to launch FibreNation and set out our plan to deliver world class broadband to three million homes and businesses. For too long, Britain has trailed the rest of the world when it comes to broadband speed and reliability.
“We’re determined to change that and invest in the faster, more reliable broadband Britain deserves. This is just the beginning of our plans to be at the heart of Britain’s full fibre future.”
“We are very confident in the asset we have created in York and will continue discussions with potential partners to agree a capital structure that reflects that. In the meantime, we’re accelerating our rollout plans.”
Paul Reynolds, incoming chair of FibreNation, added: “Having rolled out full fibre networks around the world, I’m excited to start building in Britain. This infrastructure will transform how families and businesses use the internet and I’m committed to ensuring it’s affordable to all.
“I’m delighted to have two of the UK’s largest internet service providers as customers and look forward to working with them to deliver the faster, more reliable broadband Britain needs.”
