ISP Zen Internet Moves into “Wireless Leased Lines” with Metronet UK

Zen Internet has signed a new partnership deal with alternative network provider Metronet UK, which will enable them to supply “wireless leased line” based Internet connectivity services to their customers and partners.

Over the past few years Metronet UK has gradually built its own mix of fibre optic fuelled wireless broadband / Ethernet networks in several urban areas around the United Kingdom, which has focused upon connecting poorly served businesses.

Most of Metronet UK’s infrastructure is present in parts of the North West (Greater Manchester, Chester, Liverpool, Preston, Warrington, Merseyside, Burnley & Crewe), North East (Leeds, Bradford, Newcastle & Gateshead) and Midlands (Greater Birmingham & Tamworth) in England.

A few months ago the operator opened their network up to wholesale (here) and since then they’ve attracted a growing number of ISP partners, such as Entanet and Fluidata (FluidOne). The latest to join that list is Zen Internet.

Stephen Warburton, MD of Zen Channel Partners, said:

“This new service from Zen offers partners another way to meet their customers’ connectivity needs using wireless technology. It is a great solution as a backup to a fixed circuit or as an alternative solution in the event of costly Excess Construction Charges (ECCs).

Metronet (UK)’s service complements our own fast and robust fixed leased line solutions, allowing partners and their customers to choose exactly the right solution for their needs.

We’re very pleased to be working with Metronet (UK) because they have a wealth of experience in this area and, like Zen, place a very high value on customer service and technical support.”

Zen claims that their new wireless leased lines, which are not dependent upon Openreach’s (BT) infrastructure, will “offer all the benefits of a dedicated fibre leased line but without the sometimes hidden costs and delivery constraints.” The new service can apparently be delivered more quickly (up to 25 days compared to 60-90 days), offers a 99.95% uptime guarantee and also guarantees bandwidth for critical applications. On top of that partners receive their own account manager to provide proactive support and manage their services.