Neos Networks Complete Latest Phase of UK Dark Fibre Expansion

Neos Networks has today announced that they’ve completed the latest phase of work to boost their full fibre, last mile, metro network expansion by delivering three new regional Metro Access Networks in Liverpool, Birmingham, and Manchester, along with phase one of its ongoing deployment in London.

The major multi-million pound Metro Network Expansion programme, which was first announced at the end of 2021 (here), will essentially help to put the operator’s full fibre network within reach of a further 10,000 locally based businesses and regional offices in Liverpool, Birmingham, and Manchester.

As for the City of London, the goal is for their new Access Network to reach around 23,000 businesses, once fully completed. At the time of this announcement, Neos Networks is ahead of schedule, with four of a planned eight routes now live across the capital. The remaining phase of deployment is on track for delivery over the next year.

The entire expansion project makes up over 60km of Neos Networks’ national fibre footprint, which extends to an overall total of 34,000km, including 676 Points of Presence (PoPs) and 90+ commercial data centres across the UK.

The move by Neos into the last-mile access market also means the company no longer has to rely on third-party connectivity across related business hubs, which gives them the ability to improve repair and lead times, cut delivery costs and hopefully delivery higher quality services.

Sarah Mills, Chief Revenue Officer at Neos Networks, said:

“I’m thrilled that we’re nearing completion of our Metro Access Network builds in these four key UK cities. This project will underpin the growth of UK PLC by creating new opportunities for enterprises and driving investment within several new business districts. The ambition for our network expansion project has always been to help UK businesses realise the growth potential associated with resilient, secure, high-capacity business connectivity services. We look forward to engaging businesses on how we can support their network resiliency and priorities with the right connectivity solutions.”

Neos added that they also intend to “explore additional opportunities to extend the reach of these access networks” within each region, which suggests that further expansion may be on the way. On top of that they’re planning to explore using their Optical Wavelength technology to deliver the right commercial packages for customers, particularly those in large multi-business buildings.

For network players, the new infrastructure also supports the data backhaul requirements of their services and will be particularly useful in supporting mobile operators with their local cell sites, and as they rollout 5G (mobile broadband) services and future 6G technologies.