Posted: 19th May, 2009 By: MarkJ
Fibre optic broadband supplier i3 Group (H2O Networks) has acquired Cyclops, a CCTV and UV lining firm. The move means that damaged sewer pipes can be repaired quickly and easily via its new
H2O Services division. Typically i3 uses underground sewers to distribute its up to 100Mbps Fibre to the Home (FTTH) broadband services in Bournemouth and Dundee.
Naturally i3 has several partnerships with water companies to access their sewers. The acquisition will complement these by helping the water companies to better manage the maintenance and repair of their pipes. It will also benefit i3, which now has the expertise to survey the sewer network, a requirement prior to laying the cable and something which has previously been outsourced.
Elfed Thomas, CEO, i3 Group explains: “i3 Group has developed innovative models to deliver low cost fibre infrastructure to areas with limited connectivity or where next generation access is required. The FS System plays a huge role in this strategy as it uses a readymade duct which is what makes it such a cost effective solution and commercially viable model.
The relationship we have with our partners is of the utmost importance to the Group, and this acquisition will greatly enhance how we are able to work with them.
H2O Services will substantially reduce operational costs for the water companies by assisting with the maintenance of damaged sewers through CCTV and UV lining repairs. The water companies are excited that we have the ability to deliver such a fast and cost effective solution.”
This is the second acquisition the i3 Group has made this year. In February, it announced it had bought Fibre Associates, branded Fibre @, which designs and manufactures a range of fibre optic connectivity products. It also acts as a supply chain partner right across the optical technology sector in order to achieve shorter lead times to market and more cost-effective and efficient distribution.