Broadband ISP Fusion Fibre Group Joins F&W’s UK Full Fibre Network

Rural network builder and ISP Fusion Fibre Group, which has deployed a few of its own FTTP broadband networks to various remote communities, has today entered into a new strategic partnership with alternative network operator F&W Networks (Fibre and Wireless) to “accelerate the rollout of ultrafast, reliable full-fibre broadband across Southern England“.

Just to recap. F&W claims to have so far managed to extend their gigabit-capable broadband network to cover 410,000 UK premises read-for-service (Feb 2024 data) across 30 locations in parts of South East of England, such as Greater London, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and West Sussex. The operator is also home to a growing customer base of over 35,000.

However, under the new agreement, the Fusion Fibre Group will integrate access to F&W Network’s open access fibre infrastructure to help extend their coverage, although it doesn’t sound as if F&W will gain access to Fusion’s much smaller patchwork of FTTP networks in the North East of England (not mentioned in the PR).

José Luis San Martín, CEO at F&W Networks, said:

“Our mission is to deliver future-ready digital infrastructure to communities that need it most. We’re delighted to partner with Fusion Fibre Group, whose customer fist ethos and rapid growth make then and ideal collaborator in our ongoing network expansion. Together, we’ll bring high quality full fibre connectivity to thousands more homes and businesses.”

Adrian Marsham, MD of Fusion Fibre Group, said:

“We’re thrilled to partner with F&W Networks, whose commitment to building high quality fibre infrastructure aligns perfectly with our mission. This partnership enables us to extend out full fibre services to more communities across the South of England, ensuring that both rural and growing urban centres benefit from the kind of full fibre connectivity that transforms lives.”

We wouldn’t say that this announcement will directly “accelerate the rollout” of FTTP, but it does improve the availability for those looking to sign-up via Fusion Fibre and that may in turn boost take-up, which helps support the economic model for future expansion.