Hyperoptic, which launched at the end of September 2011, is not only one of the country's newest independent ISPs but also one of the few to be exclusively focused upon offering an affordable range of ultrafast fibre optic (Fibre-to-the-Home) broadband internet access and IPTV packages for homes and businesses in urban areas (e.g. London). The use of FTTH technology also means that service speeds of up to 1Gbps (Gigabits per second) are possible and at prices that start from just £12.50 inc. VAT per month.

The ISP is headed up by none other than Boris Ivanovic (Chairman) and Dana Pressman Tobak (Managing Director), both of whom are perhaps best known for their founding roles at the hugely popular ISP Be Broadband; they moved on after the ISP became a part of O2 UK (Telefonica). Several other former BE staffers are also involved.

Initially Hyeroptic's services will be made available to large residential and commercial properties in London, before moving on to cover other UK cities in 2012. Naturally ISPreview.co.uk wanted to know more about this incredibly fast, surprisingly affordable service and luckily we've been able to tap some exclusive information out of its MD, Dana Pressman Tobak.

Interview

1. Building a new domestic (home) and business provider of true urban focused fibre optic (FTTH) broadband services from scratch must have been very difficult, what has been the biggest challenge so far?

Hyperoptic (Dana Pressman Tobak):

At the outset we knew this was a challenge but we have absolute conviction about our product’s place in the market; we are committed to building affordable, workable digital strategies for our customers.  We also have a clear strategy for Hyperoptic – we know where we want to be in a month, in a year and in five years’ time.

In reality, the biggest challenge for the team has been co-ordinating the parties required to bring Hyperoptic to a complex. To make a Hyperoptic installation happen, we need to bring together freeholders, residents and building managers. As you can imagine, not all these groups are necessarily aligned so this has been a learning curve for us.

2. It has been said before that the Hyperoptic network will be built by using a mix of existing fibre optic connectivity from other operators and your own newly constructed infrastructure. We understand that this will be largely independent of BT.

Can you tell us, which other operators are you working with and how much of the FTTH platform will actually be constructed by yourselves? In addition, do you plan to make use of BT's Physical Infrastructure Access (i.e. access to BT's existing cable ducts and telegraph poles) product to run your fibre?

Hyperoptic (Dana Pressman Tobak):

We do have arrangements with other operators but for now, these aren’t in the public domain.  Ultimately, we’ll work with providers that will deliver the best, most efficient experience for the Hyperoptic customer.

In terms of engaging with BT's Physical Infrastructure Access, any decisions will be based on how it benefits our customers; if it helps us reach them in an affordable way, we’ll consider it when it is commercially available. We’ve built a business model that allows us to be open-minded about options and flexible in terms of how we respond.

3. At launch most of Hyperoptic's coverage will be in London, specifically areas of the highest density. What about future expansion plans, do you have your eyes on any other cities in particular and what about the viability of rural areas?

Hyperoptic (Dana Pressman Tobak):

We will be looking to announce our expansion strategy in early in 2012.  Right now, our focus remains in central London and we want to establish the brand and our services prior to expansion.  Many areas of London feel they have been ignored in the fibre conversations to date and there is that real sense of frustration from them.  We’ll be focusing our energies in this space to service these people and to make sure our customers can really enjoy the value that technology can bring to their lives on a day-to-day basis.

We’re not currently looking at rural areas although we have received requests from potential customers asking us to extend our offer.  It’s something we’d consider on a case-by-case basis.