Network Rail and aql Hail 100Gbps Fibre Between Leeds and Manchester

Business communications provider aql has launched a new wavelength “Express Service” between the cities of Leeds and Manchester in England, which offers broadband ISPs and mobile operators, among others, access to a 1-100Gbps fibre optic link (capacity) by harnessing Network Rail’s new high-capacity trackside fibre network.

The fibre infrastructure itself forms part of the previously announced Building Digital UK (DCMS) and Network Rail funded Local Full Fibre Network (LFFN) project under the Trans Pennine Initiative (TPI). The LFFN element of that focused on deploying high capacity fibre long the Trans Pennine route from Manchester to York, to provide backhaul capacity for open access points along the route, and test a commercial model for fibre deployment on the railways.

The same project also provides a high-capacity inter-connection between the Manchester and Leeds Internet Exchanges, thereby strengthening critical internet infrastructure within the “Northern Powerhouse” region.

Aql’s managed wave service thus offers a 24/7 first line network operations centre (NOC) to monitor network performance, rectify equipment faults and troubleshoot potential issues. It also promises to deliver “unconstrained bandwidth with output speeds of 1, 10, 40, 100 Gb/s or faster.”

Professor Adam Beaumont, Founder and Chairman of aql, said:

“Working collaboratively with Network Rail means we can further grow our portfolio to offer a fully managed service that will provide faster direct fibre routes that cut through cities and geographies. This huge capacity between Leeds and Manchester can only serve to bring the two cities closer together collaboratively. We’re already seeing a lot of interest from the vibrant media industries within the two cities.

This new managed service will also support the wholesale ISP (internet service provider) industry, providing a new route option for the operators, driving further resilience between the cities. We look forward to plugging in other cities in the future.”

Richard Francis, NR’s Senior Account Manager, said:

“With businesses more dependent on super-fast connectivity than ever before, it is important to provide full fibre connectivity in areas along the Trans Pennine route. Our trackside fibre is the most direct and protected fibre route across the region, and the managed service offering is well placed to enable better social and economic outcomes for the business communities along the Leeds to Manchester route.”

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