Appointment Helps VXFIBRE Target FTTP for Midlands and the North

Swedish fibre optic (FTTP) broadband network builder VXFIBER has today proposed to expand their operations in the UK by appointing the former manager of the South Yorkshire Broadband Programme, Natalie Ward, to be their Regional Account Manager for the Midlands and North of England.

At present the operator is already building a 1Gbps open access Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) ISP network across Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire (here), which will be used to cover both “residents and businesses.” On top of that they recently published a new ‘Digital Masterplan‘ to assist other UK Local Authorities in their plans for rolling out similar infrastructure.

However the operator has today confirmed that they intend to go even further and will target greater connectivity to the Midlands and the North of England, with Natalie being tasked with developing new partnerships with local authorities in order “build FTTP projects from the ground up“.

Richard Watts, VXFIBER’s Sales and Marketing Director, said:

“The UK is in dire need of connectivity, specifically full-fibre connectivity, and as it stands it’s falling behind the rest of Europe. We believe that local authorities are in an ideal position to drive the country towards greater connectivity, and are delighted to welcome Natalie to support the development of our regional operations.

With her first-hand experience, Natalie brings the necessary expertise and understanding to guide local authorities on their journey, and develop long lasting partnerships.”

Natalie Ward said:

“Having spent the last eight years working in councils I understand the difficulty and challenges they face in terms of connectivity. VXFIBER has developed a model that can really change things for the better. Now is the time for local authorities to start thinking of themselves as a commercial outfit that can take charge of their own digital destiny through an Open Access Model.

I’m thrilled to have joined a company that is genuinely disrupting the market. Very exciting times ahead.”

At this stage VXFIBRE still has a lot to prove in the UK but they appear to be making gradual progress and we’re keen to see whether they can grow that presence beyond its initial niche. As usual the proof will be in the construction, not press releases.