Fastr Broadband Adopt ADTRAN’s 10Gbps FTTP Kit for York UK Rollout

Alternative network ISP Fastr Broadband (formerly UK Fibre Networks) has announced that they’ve adopted ADTRAN’s hardware and services to underpin their ongoing roll-out of a 10Gbps capable Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network in central York (England), which is aiming to cover around 8,000 homes and businesses in the city centre.

Based on our earlier article (here), Fastr’s network expansion began in the Gillygate area of York during January 2024 (Phase 1) and has since expand into the Micklegate area (Phase 2), as well as Walmgate (Phase 3), with Goodramgate / Stonebow (Phase 4) being due to follow anytime now. The initial goal seems to be to cover around 8,000 premises by the end of 2024, although it’s unclear how close they’ll get to that.

The main development today is that Fastr, which is a Norse word that harks back to the city’s Viking roots, has adopted ADTRAN’s Mosaic CP solution to streamline their network management and orchestration. In addition, its 10Gbit/s capable (XGS-PON) 48-port SDX 6330 software-defined Optical Line Terminals (OLTs) will also be deployed to “ensure efficient service delivery and scalable network growth” (this takes the Combo PON approach, which will be easier to upgrade).

Fastr previously said they’d be building the network “considerately at night” and “following the routes of existing cables along the outsides of each property to ensure minimal impact” (i.e. Openreach’s ducts and poles / PIA) on the heritage and historic buildings in the city. The SDX 6330 is fairly compact and so should work well with a discreet deployment in areas where minimising the physical footprint is important.

Stuart Broome, GM of EMEA sales at Adtran, said:

“Many of our professional services team in the UK have strong ties to York and a personal commitment to enhancing the city’s digital landscape. That’s why we’re so pleased to be helping Fastr Broadband expand the availability of advanced broadband services and enrich the options for both residents and businesses. And beyond the initial rollout, we’re committed to ongoing support, ensuring the community enjoys continuous access to ultra-fast services.

Compact, modular and software-driven, our SDX 6330 is ideal for tackling the unique challenges and requirements associated with working in dense urban environments while also respecting the historical character of cities like York. Our flexible Combo PON platform is also highly scalable, ensuring the service provider can expand its network cost-effectively and sustainably in the years to come.”

Residential customers currently pay from £35.99 per month on a 24-month term for a 150Mbps (symmetric speed) package with free installation and Wi-Fi 6 router, which rises to £59.99 for their 950Mbps plan.