Broadband ISP Quickline to Upgrade UK Wireless Links to 10Gbps

UK ISP Quickline, which operates a mix of full fibre (FTTP) and Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) broadband networks across parts of Lincolnshire, Lancashire and Yorkshire, has revealed that they plan to upgrade their existing Microwave capacity links to support data speeds of 10Gbps (Gigabits per second) over distances of 10-12km.

The ISP is currently being supported by investment from Northleaf Capital Partners, which acquired the company in June 2021 and is helping to fuel their future ambition to cover 500,000 UK premises via a mix of FTTP and FWA broadband infrastructure (here). Suffice to say, fixed wireless broadband connectivity is still part of their plans.

In keeping with that, the provider has decided to upgrade their existing Microwave wireless links by adopting the WTM 4800 Multi-Band Radio platform from Aviat Networks to boost speeds and improve reliability. This system can harness a single channel 80GHz plus a single or dual-channel microwave (11-23GHz) link in one self-contained and integrated outdoor unit.

Aside from that, networks based on this platform need less kit (i.e. cheaper deployments) and can support extended link distance options of up to 20km, albeit with some obvious loss of data speed vs 10-12km. The single box solution also enables the radios to be more easily deployed on lighter pole structures, which are often used by Quickline and other FWA ISPs in rural areas where towers may not be available.

Andris Uplejs, Quickline’s Head of New Infrastructure, said:

“We were searching for a solution to deliver 10 Gbps over 10-12 km distances, and to ensure network reliability even in heavy rain. We also wanted the flexibility to use both low- and mid-frequency bands for distance along with E-band to deliver high capacity. Aviat Multi-Band radios have turned out to be the ideal solution for us.”

Aviat’s kit is perhaps more commonly found in North American rural broadband deployments, and we think this may be one of their first deployments into the UK market. At the time of writing, we don’t yet know what the rollout plan and timescale is for the new infrastructure, but the kit could make gigabit-capable wireless broadband links much more viable for homes and businesses, and over a wider coverage area.