ISP Ogi Offer 6 Months Free FTTP Broadband to New Customers

Broadband ISP Ogi, which is rolling out a new Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network across South Wales, has today begun offering its services free for the first six months of service to new customers. The move is being promoted as a “bid to help ease pressures on household bills this winter“, but it’ll also help with take-up.

The provider, which is being backed by Infracapital (M&G Plc), has already connected premises in a number of locations since their rollout started in 2021 (here and here) – including around Haverfordwest, Rhoose, Llantwit Major, St Athan and Abergavenny. The build has also progressed in Johnston, Milford Haven, Dinas Powys and Monmouth etc. More recently, they’ve named the next 38 areas to benefit (here).

However, Ogi, which has also reduced its overall package prices by over 10% and fixed them until at least April 2023, have now launched the new “Ogi Max” deal to those being covered by their new network. In short, homes that sign-up to 24-month contracts will get their broadband free for the first 6 months.

The provider’s 150Mbps, 300Mbps and 900Mbps packages also include 6 months free evening and weekend voice services plus free installation and an included wireless router. Outside this promotion, customers would usually pay from £30 per month for an unlimited service with downloads of 150Mbps (15Mbps upload), which rises to £60 for their top 900Mbps (90Mbps upload) plan.

Ogi Chief Executive Officer, Ben Allwright, said:

“Ogi is the internet company made and rooted in Wales. We’re driving a digital revolution in communities from Pembrokeshire to Monmouthshire, embedding next-generation connectivity – and the possibilities that come with it – into the very fabric of our towns and villages.

With other utility companies pushing up their prices, as a fourth utility provider, we’re proud to be in a position to support Welsh customers in this way, bringing a service that has the potential to make a big difference to many more people this winter and beyond.”

The focus of Ogi’s announcement is naturally on cost savings for consumers, which is particularly relevant at a time when all of the major providers have been significantly increasing their own charges. But Ogi’s move isn’t just intended to help consumers save money, it also has some tactical relevance for their plans.

Various alternative networks, like Ogi, are also adopting aggressive pricing strategies, which is often more about peeling customers away from established rivals in order to boost take-up. Good take-up is something that AltNets need to show in order to help satisfy investors that their rollout is able to deliver on its promises.