Wireless ISP Boundless Networks Becomes Supplier of UK Full Fibre Vouchers

In an interesting development fixed wireless ISP Boundless Networks has today won approval registered to become a supplier for the Government’s Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme, which is being supported by the £200m Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) programme.

At present the scheme, which offers vouchers worth between £500 to £3,000 to help businesses in four areas around the United Kingdom to get a Gigabit (1000Mbps+) capable broadband service installed, is being tested in four pilot areas (listed below).

The Four Pilot Areas
* Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire
* Bristol, with Bath and North East Somerset
* Coventry and Warwickshire
* West Yorkshire Combined Authority (Bradford, Calderdale, Kirklees, Leeds, Wakefield and York)

The key words above are of course “gigabit capable,” which as we wrote in November 2017 (here) would also open the door to technologies other than “full fibre” (FTTP) being used. As such it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that a fixed wireless broadband provider is set to join the growing club of suppliers, even though this does somewhat distract from all that talk about encouraging true fibre connectivity.

Boundless claims that businesses will be able to choose to take services from “ultrafast” 100Mbps+ and right up to the “Rolls Royce choice of Gigabit broadband“. Apparently their business packages start from just £30 +vat per month, with business-specific 100Mbps ultrafast packages starting at £100 and 1000Mbps (Gigabit) services costing £500 month.

Matt Hancock, UK Digital Minister, said:

“A world-class digital communications network is essential to ensure the UK’s future competitiveness in the global market and its ability to attract investment. Faster and more reliable connections are transforming the way we live and work, and better broadband supports businesses to grow and become more productive. These voucher pilots, alongside a range of other actions, are testament to Government’s ambition for full fibre infrastructure across the UK to underpin our digital economy.”

Boundless Networks is currently home to 3,468 residential and 503 business users on their networks in Lancashire and Yorkshire (3,000 more are expected to sign-up over the next 2 years).