Rural UK ISP Quickline Launch FTTP Engineer Training Centre

Hull-based broadband ISP Quickline, which is currently working to deploy their gigabit-capable full fibre (FTTP) network to 96 rural locations (55,000 premises) across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in England, has today announced the opening of a new training centre, stores and test laboratory for the development of innovative technologies.

Quickline is currently being supported by an investment of £500m from Northleaf Capital Partners, which acquired the provider in 2021. The provider has previously stated that this would fuel their aspiration to cover 500,000 UK premises in rural and semi-rural areas with “ultrafast broadband” via a mix of FTTP and 5G based FWA (wireless) infrastructure “by 2025” (here).

As part of that they already claim to have covered 300,000 premises via just their wireless network, while their XGS-PON based Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) deployment has so far covered 10,000 premises across over 20 rural communities (Dec 2022). But they’re initially planning to reach 96 rural locations (55,000 premises) across Yorkshire and Lincolnshire in England (deployment plan).

The launch of the new facility in Hull today thus represents the latest stage of Quickline’s expansion. The premises provide them with a custom-built, modern space to train its engineers and develop the skills of its teams across the business. It will also be used to store its build and installation materials (used by their in-house team of engineers). The test lab will also include a dedicated space for the development of new products and services using 5G.

Quickline CEO, Sean Royce, said:

“The opening of our new facility represents another major investment in the local economy by Quickline.

It will provide us with an essential, dedicated space to train our people to the highest standard, so they can deliver the outstanding service our customers deserve.

The test laboratory will also enable our experts to develop new and innovative services with our existing 5G and fibre technologies, as we continue to deliver on our mission to ensure rural communities in Yorkshire and Lincolnshire aren’t left behind.”

Residential customers covered by their new FTTP network are usually charged from £29 per month on a 24-month term for 100Mbps (50Mbps upload) speeds with free installation, and that goes up to £49 for their top 900Mbps (450Mbps upload) tier. But Quickline are also giving their customers some peace of mind with a commitment that their tariffs will remain unchanged for 24-months.