UK Fibre Optic Developer CityFibre Sign Strategic Partnership with ISP Ask4

CityFibre, which has deployed fibre optic networks in several towns and cities (e.g. York, Bournemouth etc.) around the United Kingdom, have signed a strategic partnership deal with Ask4 that will allow the ISP to offer “ultrafast, gigabit-speed internet services” via CFs existing network(s).

The Sheffield-based ISP, Ask4, already offers similar solutions to its existing customer base, which typically consists of businesses, student residences and Multi-Dwelling Units (MDU). On top of that they already have a “long standing” wholesale agreement with CityFibre for access to the network but the new deal appears to go even further.

Matt Eley, Commercial Director at Ask4, said:

“This Strategic Partnership will have long-term mutual benefits for both our companies and we look forward to adding value for existing and prospective customers in the business, student and multi-tenanted accommodation sectors. We have already signed five significant contract extensions with CityFibre as the dark fibre provider and we are very pleased to be enhancing our long standing relationship with them.

Businesses increasingly require unrestricted capacity in order to be competitive in today’s globally connected world. With CityFibre as a Strategic Partner, we are able to offer a future-proof solution that can deliver all the efficiency benefits of ultrafast Internet today.

Only a 100% pure fibre network can smoothly deliver next-generation applications and services such as cloud-computing and real-time communications like video-conferencing, as well as enable huge amounts of data to be transferred in seconds. These services transform workplaces, increasing employee efficiency and job satisfaction.”

Rob Hamlin, Director of Business Development at CityFibre, said:

“We are delighted to be in a Strategic Partnership with Ask4. Our two companies have a long standing wholesale relationship so this partnership extends that affiliation and further develops the business opportunity. As Ask4 expands into the business premises sector, they can now offer a much broader range of business services than they were previously able to thanks to the gigabit capacity of our fibre infrastructure.

In addition, now that CityFibre is on the Ask4 Strategic Supplier list, we will be able to quote for supplying new customer connections and for replacing connections for existing customers with our ultrafast fibre network.”

It will be interesting to see whether or not this allows Ask4 to act in a similar capacity to CityFibre’s sibling retail ISP Gigler, which would allow them to offer an alternative product over CityFibre’s network in areas like Bournemouth.