Rocket Fibre to Disconnect Legacy UK Wireless Broadband Users

Alternative network operator and ISP Rocket Fibre, which is in the process of expanding their Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband network across more of Northamptonshire (here), has caused concern after they notified their legacy base of Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) customers that they would “cease providing” the service from 31st March 2025.

The provider already offers broadband packages to customers via CityFibre’s and OFNL’s national UK broadband networks. But they’ve also built some of their own FTTP in parts of Northamptonshire and, on top of that, it’s a little-known fact that they acquired a small based of fixed wireless broadband customers when they gobbled Datacentres Ltd in 2023 (trading as ISP Red Raw Internet).

Red Raw Internet ran a mainly fixed wireless network across a number of rural communities in England (parts of Wales, Bedford, Hampshire etc.), although they did also have a little bit of fibre in the ground too. Unfortunately, Rocket Fibre has now decided that it is “commercially impractical” to maintain the old wireless service, and late last month began notifying impacted customers about their intention to shut it down.

A number of smaller altnets are currently in the process of trying to keep people connected (mostly out of the kindness, as there doesn’t seem to be much commercial critical mass to it), but some customers may live in very remote areas where there are currently no viable alternatives. In those situations, they may end up having to go back to Openreach’s old and slow copper (ADSL) network, or perhaps adopt Starlink’s pricey LEO satellite service.

Copy of Rocket Fibre’s Customer Email

Dear xxxxxxxxxxxxx,

After careful review, we regret to inform you that it has been decided that offering a service to your area is commercially impractical. As a result, we will cease providing service to this location from Monday, 31st March. Additionally, your final bill will be reflective of the 31st March termination date.

We understand this may be disappointing, and we sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this decision may cause. Please know this decision was not made lightly, and we are grateful for your support and the time you’ve spent with Rocket Fibre.

If you have any questions or need assistance with the transition, such as alternative service options or account matters, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team is here to help during this time.

Once again, we thank you for being a valued customer, and we wish you all the best moving forward.

Best regards,
Rocket Fibre Team

Rocket Fibre has informed ISPreview that the issue impacts fewer than 60 properties, which compares with their wider base of over 13,000 FTTP customers.

A spokesperson for Rocket Fibre told ISPreview:

“Over the past six months, Rocket Fibre has conducted a comprehensive review of the legacy wireless networks acquired in late December 2023 from the Datacentres Ltd/Redraw Internet acquisition. Following this assessment, we have made the difficult decision to discontinue wireless services in several areas that have been operating at a loss for some time.

Despite exploring multiple alternatives, rising costs associated with mast agreements, power, and maintenance have made it unsustainable to continue providing these services. As a result, we have issued notices to affected customers.

Rocket Fibre remains dedicated to assisting customers during this transition, actively helping them explore alternative solutions and providing ongoing support where needed.”

The official cut-off date is 31st March 2025, although it’s possible that Rocket Fibre might allow an additional period of grace if the situation requires it. Otherwise, the operator says they’ve partnered with other local wireless providers to take over parts of the network, where possible.