UPD MS3 Communications Expand Fibre Optic Broadband Network into Hull UK

MS3 Communications, an independent data and telecommunications network, has awarded the £5.5 million contract for deploying the “first 50km” of their fibre optic broadband network around Hull (Yorkshire, UK) to Mid-Wales based company Welch Civils Ltd.

The final business-focused network, which will allow ISPs to offer superfast broadband services without having to go through KC, is expected to stretch 116km of fibre optic cable around Hull. Work is set to commence on Monday 2nd April 2012 and should take between 20-26 weeks to implement.

MS3’s Managing Director, Tony Hales, said:

“The MS3 network will allow businesses to benefit from super-fast Ethernet connections of which this city has never had before. We have always promised that we would deliver this network to Hull and its great credit to the hard work and endeavour of everyone at MS3 that we are finally able to begin digging.”

Phil Jones, Managing Director for Welch Civils Limited, added:

“Welch Civils (Mid Wales) Ltd are proud and delighted to be invited to deliver the contract of providing Hull with a brand new fibre network for MS3. We will be starting to put the network in the ground on Monday 2nd April. This is just the start of what we are sure will be a long and successful partnership between MS3 and ourselves.”

The first businesses to be within reach of the new network will be in the HU13, HU3, HU4 and HU1 areas of Hull, though more should follow. Meanwhile KC has been busy deploying their own fibre optic infrastructure in the city which, unlike MS3’s service, will also be made available to home users.

UPDATE 30th March 2012

We have a new comment from KC today.

KC’s Commercial and Finance Director, Sean Royce, said:

“MS3 has been discussing its plans with us for some time. The good news for businesses in Hull is that we share the same vision – that access to high speed communications is one of the key drivers for regeneration and one that will ultimately help stimulate growth for our region. That’s why we’ve been offering our business customers Ethernet products for many years and why we’ve made such a significant investment in our KC Lightstream fibre broadband services. Consumers and businesses in Hull have access to the fastest broadband network in the UK and the announcement that MS3 are building an Ethernet network is good for local businesses as it means they’ll now also have even more choice in provider.”