New Build UK FTTH Broadband Provider IFNL Rebrands to OFNL

Fibre optic network builder Independent Fibre Networks Ltd. (IFNL), which deploys ultrafast broadband ISP services to new build UK home developments using Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) technology, has today rebranded to Open Fibre Networks Ltd. in order to “more closely reflect its position and offering in the market“.

The open access Gigabit (1Gbps) capable fibre infrastructure that OFNL builds is usually ordered by consumers through their more familiar wholesale partners, such as UK ISP Direct Save Telecom, Seethelight and Pure Broadband etc. The company is also part of the wider Brookfield Utilities UK Group (BUUK), which includes utility infrastructure provider GTC.

We don’t know exactly how many premises the OFNL / GTC network covers, although somewhere around 20,000 to 30,000 may be a reasonable assumption given past announcements. The “full fibre” infrastructure they build is also designed to handle voice and data traffic from all sorts of other services, such as IPTV, alarms, CCTV, building management systems, public WiFi and so forth.

In other cases GTC / OFNL also have an agreement with Sky (Sky Broadband), which means that the broadcaster’s Satellite TV channels can be distributed over their fibre network via a centralised Fibre Integrated Reception System (FIRS). This works well, although we have seen the odd gripe about delays in getting the TV service fixed when the centralised distribution system falls over.

Andrew Robinson, Commercial Operations Director at OFNL, said:

“We entered the market in response to growing market concerns around the long delays customers were experiencing when subscribing to broadband services when moving into their new homes.

We now provide a real alternative to traditional players in the market and offer a full Fibre-to-the-Home network solution that provides a cost-effective alternative for house builders, as well as a more efficient and hassle-free installation, and a better overall experience for residents.

It seems fitting that our brand should reflect this and we are proud to now be known as Open Fibre Networks Ltd.”

At this stage we’re unclear on how much difference simply changing ‘Independent‘ to ‘Open‘ in the brand name will actually make, although it’s worth remembering that IFNL are one of the oldest and most established names in the UK FTTH / FTTP market. Check out our 2015 interview for a bit more background on the operator and their position (here).

The company has been connecting new build developments across the UK to their ultra-fast fibre network since as far back as 2008, although they now face significantly more competition than before from the likes of Openreach, Cityfibre, Hyperoptic, Virgin Media and so forth.