Quickline Deploy ADTRAN Solution to Boost Rural Full Fibre Rollout

Alternative UK network builder and broadband ISP Quickline, which is rolling out a gigabit full fibre (FTTP) and 5G powered fixed wireless access (FWA) networks across rural and semi-rural parts of Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, has adopted ADTRAN’s Mosaic CP and software-defined access hardware to boost their deployment.

The new solution is designed to help Quickline to create an efficient hybrid network that seamlessly blends with its existing fixed wireless access hardware. The Mosaic CP unlocks control and management functions from individual network elements, streamlining and enhancing service delivery.

After that, Adtran’s compact SDX 6320 and 6330 Series of software-defined optical line terminals (OLT) are claimed to deliver the industry’s highest service scale to cost-effectively support the growth of Quickline’s new 10Gbps capable XGS-PON (full fibre) network. And Adtran’s SDX 631q optical network terminals (ONT) are also being installed inside homes.

Darryl Petch, CTO of Quickline, said:

“At Quickline, we’re committed to providing ultra-fast connectivity to those in rural areas who need it most. Fiber is considered the gold standard for good reason. Reliable and future-proof, it opens up a world of possibilities for subscribers, and it’s also proven to be a major driver of job creation and economic growth.

Adtran’s flexible fiber access technology enables us to give residents the connectivity they need to thrive in a rapidly digitizing world. Together with Adtran, we’re leveling up rural areas across the North of England and unleashing a great deal of untapped talent and potential in the process.”

Quickline’s build is being supported by funding of c.£500m from Northleaf Capital Partners, as well as c.£296.4m of public subsidy from Project Gigabit (here, here and here), some £225m in term loans and debt guarantees from the UK Infrastructure Bank (UKIB) and a £25m term loan from NatWest.

The provider’s original ambition was to cover around 500,000 premises in rural and semi-rural areas across Northern England and beyond with “ultrafast broadband” – via both FTTP and wireless technologies – “by 2025” (here). Some 200,000 of those rural premises were due to be tackled by their wireless network, with the rest coming from FTTP.

However, since then they’ve secured £296.4m worth of public funding via Project Gigabit, which will bring full fibre broadband with public funding to almost 170,000 premises in mostly rural areas, which rises to 360,000 when you include the provider’s complementary commercial build.