Alternative network operator and ISP LightSpeed Broadband, which has built a gigabit-capable (FTTP) network across 250,000 premises in the East of England, has today signed a new agreement that will enable them to expand their services by gaining access to Neos Networks dark fibre, 100Gbps and 10Gbps optical links, and backhaul services etc.
Neos currently runs one of the biggest (34,000km long) business fibre networks in the UK – spanning 550 exchanges, 90+ data centres and 676 Points of Presence (PoPs). The operator is already working to help support a number of other alternative networks with their services, and LightSpeed has just become the latest to join that club.
According to the announcement, greater availability of LightSpeed’s services is now being developed utilising Neos Networks’ extensive UK-wide network, providing its wholesale customers greater access and choice when purchasing connectivity. But that’s not all.
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The partnership is said to enable LightSpeed Networks to “expand into new regions like North Staffordshire” and “connect to critical data centres in London, Manchester, and Birmingham“. As a result, LightSpeed said they will also be able to offer bespoke wholesale services and managed solutions to other ISPs, delivering alternatives to incumbent providers.
Chris Tagg, CTIO at The LightSpeed Group, said:
“Partnering with Neos Networks allows us to bring faster, more reliable connectivity to homes and businesses in the East Midlands and beyond. This collaboration equips us with the flexibility and scalability to expand rapidly into new markets while staying true to our commitment to exceptional service delivery – especially in areas where traditional options like BT Openreach are unavailable.”
Lee Myall, CEO at Neos Networks:
“Our collaboration with LightSpeed is a prime example of how advanced network infrastructure can support providers in reaching underserved areas. By delivering tailored connectivity solutions, we’re enabling LightSpeed to expand their footprint and bring high-quality broadband to more communities and businesses.”
Take note that the LightSpeed Group operates through two entities: LightSpeed Networks, which builds and manages the infrastructure for its retail and growing wholesale services, and retail ISP LightSpeed Broadband, which provides gigabit-speed connectivity directly to homes and businesses across the Midlands and East of England.
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Shouldn’t they first focus on finishing network deployment in their announced areas? There are still a lot of coverage gaps in the various towns they claim to have implemented it. Also, contrary to what their website says, you still can’t order static IP-addresses in some areas. Using CGNAT simply doesn’t cut it for certain apps and IoTs.