New AltNet Meliora Networks Plan to Build UK Full Fibre Network

A new alternative network (altnet) builder called Meliora Networks Limited has emerged on to the scene with a plan to rollout a hybrid Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) and gigabit-capable Full Fibre broadband network, which will focus on “areas of the UK that do not presently have access to next generation connectivity.”

The details came to light after the operator, which was only incorporated in August 2022, made a request for Code Powers from Ofcom (here), which is typically sought to help speed-up deployments of new fibre optic infrastructure and cut costs, not least by reducing the number of licenses needed for street works. It can also be used to facilitate access to run their own fibre via Openreach’s existing ducts and telegraph poles (PIA).

The current UK telecoms market is already highly saturated with masses of AltNets building full fibre (here) and as a result of that we haven’t seen many new players crop up during 2022, but clearly some providers are still willing to take the high-risk position of entering an already over-crowded space.

At present we still know very little about London-based Meliora Networks, which doesn’t appear to have a website (none that we could find). The related page on Companies House is similarly devoid of much useful information, although it does state that the company’s Director is called Mr Mithan Nillan Fakira – not a name we’ve come across before.

According to Ofcom, Meliora Networks will build its network as a wholesale offering for other ISPs and businesses to harness. The focus will be on covering homes and businesses in “areas currently not served by ultrafast broadband networks … typically areas served only by the copper access network,” although most similar applications for Code Powers tend to say that, and it doesn’t always end up reflecting reality.