Hybrid Wireless and Fibre Optic Broadband Service Arrives in Chichester

A new ISP called BLAZE Wireless has today announced the launch of their hybrid fibre optic and wireless broadband network to cover central Chichester in West Sussex (South-East England), which is available to both private individuals (local residents) and business customers.

The ISP claims to have installed a new “carrier grade” dedicated fibre optic cable in Central Chichester, which is said to be capable of delivering speeds up to 300Mbps and has a potential capacity of 1000Mbps (1Gbps). At the same time the providers Blaze wireless base stations, which are apparently “never more than 25 miles away“, can supply up to 300Mbps speeds depending on the package choice.

The aim of all this is to bring high performing Internet to the Chichester area, “including places where BT broadband is slow and unreliable, isolated homes and businesses, remote locations and rural communities in West Sussex“.

Henry Brown, Blaze Wireless Director and Founder, told ISPreview.co.uk:

“Our wireless broadcasting equipment extends this fibre-optic line ‘wirelessly’ by transmitting it over a selected area, just like a television signal. To receive wireless fibre-optic broadband you need to install a small receiving aerial, about the size of a paperback book, at your premises or home.

Aerials can be installed in a matter of days, once installed you can simply connect your computer, laptop, router or other devices to our wireless internet and enjoy high speed fibre-optic broadband. Blaze Wireless Internet access starts at a monthly cost of £29. There are no hidden fees, no line rental charge and no fixed term contracts so you can stop your subscription whenever you wish.”

ISPreview.co.uk notes that the entry-level £29 per month package (it’s unclear if this is inc. or +vat, but we’d assume the latter) gives subscribers a 15Mbps connection with a 35GB usage allowance, although this can be customised up to 90Mbps with a 110GB’s cap for £77 per month. Faster pre-built packages are also on offer with speeds of between 150Mbps and 300Mbps, but these are much more expensive and top out at £167 per month for the 300Mbps option with a 100GB usage allowance.

Blaze Wireless supply the aerial together with a suitable mount and the cable required to connect to your devices. The company can also supply a router or internal WiFi equipment if required. A Blaze aerial package typically costs around £80 (one-off) and comes with fitting instructions for DIY installation. Alternatively Blaze Wireless offer a fitting service that generally costs around £65 (one-off).