UK ISP Gigaclear Appoint “Fibre Pioneer” Charles McGregor as Chairman

Rural-focused fibre optic (FTTP) broadband provider Gigaclear has created the new role of Chairman and appointed Charles McGregor, the co-founder of Fibernet (later acquired by Global Crossing), to fill the position.

According to Gigaclear, McGregor has also held board level positions at Gamma Telecom and Huddle. On top of that he is also an advisor to private equity firm, Oakfield Capital and is chairman at Headcast Lab, an interactive broadcast animation specialist.

Charles McGregor said:

“This is a seminal time in the provision of high speed broadband services in the UK. The investments Gigaclear is making in optical fibre based networks in rural high grade markets reflect the rising demands of both recreational and business users. Gigaclear has a proven business strategy which is reflected in both a very impressive customer roster and shareholder register. I am pleased to be joining the Gigaclear team and am committed to helping propel the business at this important and exciting time in its development.”

Matthew Hare, CEO of Gigaclear, said:

“In order to fulfil growing customer demand, Gigaclear has aggressive growth strategies in place. Charles has the experience and expertise needed to help successfully steer the business through this latest phase of expansion and development so that more underserved rural communities can reap the benefits from world class connectivity and speeds.”

The announcement that Gigaclear has taken on a Chairman follows February’s news, in which the ISP appointed a new advisory group that, alongside other “key players in the UK’s communications industry“, also included the former CEO of BTOpenreach – Steve Robertson (here).

Gigaclear typically focuses its effort into building ultrafast fibre optic broadband networks in rural towns and villages using private investment, although they did recently win an RCBF grant to connect the Parish of Northmoor in West Oxfordshire (here); incidentally this is one of the only RCBF grants to go somewhere other than BT.