ISP VISPA Plans to Build Own UK FTTP Broadband Network

Manchester-based UK ISP VISPA has revealed that they’re preparing to rollout their own gigabit-capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network, which would also be supplemented by the expansion of their existing Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) network to serve locations where it is not possible to use a full fibre service.

The new development was confirmed as part of the provider’s request for Code Powers from Ofcom (here), which are often sought by new and existing operators in order to help speed-up the deployment of new networks and cut costs by reducing the number of licenses needed for related street works across the United Kingdom.

At present VISPA have already deployed their own fixed wireless broadband network to reach poorly served homes and businesses in parts of Cheshire (England), which they call Fibre-to-the-Mast (FTTM). Outside of that the ISP has a long history of harnessing Openreach’s (BT) national network, which they use to offer a mix of ADSL2+, FTTC, FTTP and G.fast based packages.

However, the provider now plans to branch out and begin building its own FTTP infrastructure to serve homes and businesses, which would also make some use of Openreach’s existing cable ducts and poles to run their own fibre (PIA – Physical Infrastructure Access). As usual this will focus on areas where such services are not currently available, but for the time being it’s not known where or how big this project will be.