Open Fibre Networks Ltd Boosting FTTP Speeds to 1Gbps in 2022
Open Fibre Networks Limited (OFNL – formerly IFNL), which deploys Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) based ultrafast broadband ISP networks to UK new build home developments, finally looks likely to boost the download speeds of their top residential packages to 1Gbps (1000Mbps) during 2022.
The open access fibre infrastructure that OFNL builds is usually ordered by consumers through their more familiar wholesale partners, which includes ISPs like Direct Save Telecom, Seethelight and Pure Broadband etc. The company is part of the wider Brookfield Utilities UK Group (BUUK), which also includes utility infrastructure provider GTC.
However, one problem with this platform is that residential customers have remained limited to taking a top download speed of 360Mbps (75Mbps upload), although upload speeds could be boosted at extra cost (e.g. one ISP, Air Broadband, offers a 300/300Mbps symmetric tier). Suffice to say, this is a bit behind today’s new normal, where 1Gbps tends to be the top package on most residential focused networks (a few also do 2Gbps, 3Gbps and 10Gbps but that’s still quite niche).
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A year ago we asked several of OFNL’s ISPs whether there were any plans to make 1Gbps services available to homes during 2021, with Seethelight giving the clearest response (this was echoed by other providers): “Regrettably there are no current plans to make 1Gbps services available nationwide on the OFNL network upon which we supply.”
The good news, for those on OFNLs network, is that the operator appears to be changing their tune for 2022. One of our readers was recently told the following by OFNL (here): “OFNL is planning to introduce speeds up to 1Gb in 2022. We are currently in the process of upgrading the backhaul connectivity to sites to enable OFNL to guarantee a 1Gb service.”
We have been unable to get a response directly from OFNL ourselves (Christmas tends to have that sort of impact), but feedback from some of their ISPs suggests that 1Gbps is indeed a strong possibility for 2022, but it’s unclear precisely when it will emerge.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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Hopefully pricing improves, seethelight charge £45 for 300, if OFNL follow openreach in effectively making 500 replace 300 then the price would be fine.
Also for those wondering the OFNL ont is an Icotera i5200 with a small UPS. VOIP is built into the ONT so you don’t need to use the ISP router for a landline.
Which make and model of UPS? What capacity?
@5G Infinity
This – https://www.amazon.co.uk/Power-Inspired-Router-Uninterruptible-Supply/dp/B0187PWCLO
Though it comes from a few brands.
The UPS will be able to supply the ONT for 2.7 or 3.5 hours depending on the model of UPS, given that its new build power cuts shouldn’t be that much of a problem.
Seethelight is quite pricey (and generally not rated well), I suggest comparing different providers. There’s a price-comparison site for OFNL at compare-ofnl.co.uk
@Seb
You need to update your comparison site, its missing a few ISP’s.
@Mark, whilst 160Mbps may perhaps be the fastest upload offered with 360Mbps download (?), 300Mbps upload is also available on symmetric packages from a few OFNL ISPs… I currently have such a 300/300 service (from Air Broadband).
Didn’t know that, thanks Ollie. I’ll update above.
Yes we do symmetric at all speeds. We know the ofnl are upgrading a number of sites to support gigabit. Not clear whether will be released piecemeal or once they have all ready.
Just noticed my ISP (SeeTheLight) has dropped the add-on for symmetric upload!
Got 300/300 from MTH. The only responsive company offering more than one static IP. I’ve tried to contact other ISPs listen on OFNL page but none of them replied.
I use MTH Networks as a provider for OFNL and they’ve always been decent
I have 300/300 from PureBroadband. So far I haven’t noticed any problems.
I had rocket fiber on ofnl for a year at £44 a month for 360 down and 75 upload . But come second year they would not do a better deal and in the current climate £44 is a bit much I feel a month . So I am now with internet .
It’s all a bit pricey down south when you compare it to the deals people in London are getting on community fiber .
That’s why I won’t pay £44 a month moving forward . Ofnl is all a bit unfair because I can’t get a normal broadband package .as it’s just fiber to the cupboard in hall that’s it where I live . Shame rocket would not do me a deal to keep me they just let me walk away . Told me there prices are fixed . Lol makes you feel like your cut off but hey if I was a business I would some some cake is better than no cake that’s why they fail . It’s all about the money and not about a fair deal for the customer .