Gigaloch Seek Code Powers to Continue UK FTTP Broadband Build

Fife-based network operator Gigaloch, which in 2020 began building their own Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network across a few remote rural communities in West Cheshire (England) and Perthshire (Scotland), has put in an application for Code Powers from Ofcom to help with their network expansion plans.

Just to recap. UK ISP Gigaloch originally started their build in Mollington (West Cheshire) and have also expanded out into other locations, such as Abraichan (Inverness-shire), Loch Tay (Highlands of Perthshire), Mouldsworth, Manley and Ashton Hayes (Cheshire), and Methven (Perth and Kinross) etc. The operator currently aspire to cover 200,000 premises over the next few years.

However, it appears as if Gigaloch may be preparing to move into a higher gear with their application for Code Powers, which are typically sought to help speed-up deployments of new fibre and cut costs, not least by reducing the number of licences needed for street works. The powers can also help with supporting access to run new fibre via Openreach’s (BT) existing cable ducts and poles (PIA).

Code Powers Statement

The Applicant is a relatively new operator seeking Code powers to facilitate the deployment of a Fibre to the Premises (FTTP) network predominantly across rural Scotland.

The Applicant is presently rolling out its network in Perth and Strathearn, Highland Perthshire, Inverness-shire and in West Cheshire in England.

The Applicant intends to continue building their own fibre optic access network in their own duct infrastructure.

Sadly, Gigaloch’s website doesn’t contain a lot of detail about their broadband packages and prices, but we recall from last year that an unlimited 1Gbps (200Mbps upload) service was being sold for £35 per month (frozen until 2025) on a 12-month term. Hopefully more details about their roll-out plan and network build progress will surface in the near future.