FibreSpeed Now Operating as an Independent Commercial Business

FibreSpeed, which was established in 2009 as a Welsh Government, GEO Networks and EU funded project to build a fibre optic communications and broadband network across North Wales (UK), has announced that it’s now operating as an independent commercial business.

The network, which stretches from Holyhead (i.e. along the northern coastline following the primary A55 road network) and all the way over into Manchester, is designed to connect business parks in North Wales but it’s also been used to supply several local broadband ISP projects.

In more recent times there have been some concerns about funding (i.e. it cost millions to build but arguably hasn’t always performed as well as some had hoped), overbuilding and a potential conflict with the Welsh Government’s BDUK and BT funded superfast broadband roll-out (though FibreSpeed do not serve consumers directly), which might be part of the reason why FibreSpeed has moved to become more independent.

Fibrespeeds Statement – December 2013

“We are pleased to announce that FibreSpeed is no longer a Welsh Government funded project. Since March this year we have been operating as an independent commercial business – but in spite of this, the aims of the business remain the same. We’re still part of the Government’s Digital Wales programme and as such, FibreSpeed will continue to support economic development throughout North Wales.

Whatever changes do occur, some things remain the same. We’re still delivering the highest performing, most modern wholesale communications service to multiple Service Provider channels who are working hard to deliver innovative, differentiated services to homes and businesses across North Wales.”

The operator now claims to be a “fully stand-alone, self-sustaining commercial business” that is currently delivering in excess of £1m turnover per annum. As part of this effort FibreSpeed have also outlined a Network Investment Plan that touts increased capacity, further expansion and improved reliability but it’s also one that remains short on specifics.