Hyperoptic UK Bring Ultrafast 1Gbps Broadband to Lanterns Court Building

Urban focused UK ISP Hyperoptic has quietly expanded the coverage of its ultra-fast 1Gbps (Gigabits per second) capable fibre optic (FTTB) broadband service to cover the Lanterns Court / City Nites block in London’s bleakly named Isle of Dogs, which is home to around 600 apartments.

The provider, which has remained somewhat tight-lipped about its future roll-out plans since deploying into the riverside development of Prices Court in Wandsworth (London) last year (here), is understood to have already connected 100 units (homes) in the block.

But the ISP will need to do a lot more if it is to counter BT’s plan for similar High Rise Buildings (here). BT’s current pilot of Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) technology is also focused on the same area of London but similarly only covers a small number of buildings (e.g. West India Quay, Canary Riverside and Port East), although they’re looking for a further 1,000 buildings to take part.

Brian Doherty, Hyperoptics Director of Sales, said:

“In many ways, Canary Wharf is the heartbeat of London, making the Docklands a hub for business and leisure travelers. However, the broadband in the area has suffered with Poplar internet Exchange being one of the most congested Exchanges in the UK.

This is why our direct fibre approach is such a good match for City Nites – as it bypasses this congestion and gives the travellers pure speed and an unparalleled broadband experience, making their stay even more enjoyable.”

Most Isle of Dogs based internet connections are served by the Poplar telephone exchange, which allegedly only delivers an average broadband download speed of 2.5Mbps (Megabits per second).

Still we’re left wondering whether or not Hyperoptic will ever release details of its planned roll-out, especially with BT breathing down their necks. BT has a knack for targeting areas that they have previously neglected, albeit often seemingly only after a rival enters local the market. Credits to Thinkbroadband for spotting this news.

UPDATE 9:31am

Hyperoptic have just issued an official press release on this development and we’ve changed the quote above to reflect that.