Altnets Seek to Streamline MDU Fibre Installations for UK ISPs via New System
The tediously named telecoms procurement specialist, Altnets (the company, not the sector), has launched a new system that attempts to address some of the complex engineering and compliance challenges that UK broadband ISPs face when installing in large residential buildings (MDUs / blocks of flats etc.), while also making those deployments more efficient.
The FTTXcellence B2ca MDU system claims to be the “only product of its kind” and one that features B2ca-rated cables, the highest Euroclass compliance rating available for fibre optic data cables. This rating, indicating minimal flame spread and heat release, is said to support ISPs in prioritising safety and “helping prevent risks associated with events like the Grenfell Tower disaster“.
Additionally, the system, which has been developed through industry collaboration to be quick and fully compliant with safety standards, also includes installation fixings, through-wall kits, and a variety of adapters to ensure easier installation and approvals from property owners.
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Tackling MDUs can be a slow and expensive business, not least because each building is usually very different from the last one and will often require a bespoke solution. So anything that can be done to resolve that is usually a good thing. At least one FTTP broadband ISP, the London-focused G.Network, has already adopted the new system and have been calling it a fairly priced “game changer for us as an ISP and network provider“.
Leigh Buckwell, Technical Director at Altnets, said:
“Our FTTXcellence B2ca MDU System is revolutionary because it directly addresses the challenges faced by ISPs. We’ve developed a fully compliant, standardised solution that simplifies installation while ensuring ISPs meet stringent safety regulations. This includes CPR compliance as required by the BS6701 and BS7671 standards, which mandate the fire performance of telecommunications cables.
The FTTXcellence B2ca MDU System not only meets minimum safety requirements but surpasses them, making it the most compliant cabling solution in the industry. This ensures easier approval from private or local authority property owners, enhances the success of MDU builds, and improves the return on investment for ISPs.”
The announcement is a little bit heavy on the marketing speak and moves into an area that we don’t usually cover, although it would be interesting to know what other network providers think about this system? We should say that there are a number of fibre systems for tackling MDUs already on the market (e.g. InvisiLight, as used by Hyperoptic, Openreach etc.), although comparing them moves a bit too far outside our comfort zone of familiarity.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on X (Twitter), Mastodon, Facebook, BlueSky, Threads.net and Linkedin.
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I would be amazed if the main obstacle preventing FTTP builds into MDUs was the availability of cables that people find acceptable, rather than landlord/managing agent non-engagement or unreasonable wayleave terms.
You would actually be amazed, this style of cabling ticks many boxes, it’s discreet, fire rated and only requires 1 fibre ran through the full building (12 premise or under)
Its also useful if building has asbestos as it can be ran with minimal holes drilled vs pre connectorised fibres for each unit.
We fully understand and acknowledge the complexities of wayleaves. We simply choose to stay within our area of expertise and propose solutions that respond to the engineering challenges that make things quick and easy post-approvals from landlords/management companies.
I was going to mention this looks an awful lot like OFS Invisilight until you mentioned it on the article. I found an article on LinkedIn over a year ago mentioning Altnets teamed up with OFS?
As far as I’m aware, OFS and Hexatronic# own version have been used on CF/OR and Hyperoptics MDUs for while.
Not sure what is unique about this product, there are definitely existing B2ca MDU solutions on the market currently.
Oh we really think this is unique, B2ca with B3/B3+ fibre and in a box… Has that been done before?
I’ve been dealing with my MDU issue for about 2 years at least now. Both Brsk and I have tried to get to a point where the fibre gets installed my apartment but my landlord is not communicating to either of us and I’m being left behind as are the 50 other residents in my estate. Couldn’t care if they put a pole in front of my window, working with copper internet is infuriating and I’ve ran of patience with my landlord.
Iain
Your problem is not one that systems and cable types is going to fix
You sound like you have an unresponsive landlord, who is burying his head in the sand!
No promises, but maybe we can help you
Email Fibreassist@sccialphatrack.co.uk and we will see what we can do to help
What the government should do, is set up a funded organisation to take the fight to reluctant organisation on behalf of leaseholder rather than ISP’s
ISP’s will tend to just see a reluctant freeholder as more of a pain than it is worth to challenge
But if there was an “empowered” organisation to take on the case to get fibre deployed in reluctant freeholder buildings, maybe that would be more productive
In any case, we are happy to see what we can do for you
Email Fibreassist@sccialphatrack.co.uk and we can discuss
Cheers
Steve