Posted: 06th Jul, 2009 By: MarkJ
H2O Networks ( i3 Group ) has begun on Yorkshire’s first Fibrezone, a next generation fibre optic broadband network offering carrier grade connectivity at a fraction of the normal cost. Similar to work in Dundee and Bournemouth, i3 will deploy the service around Sheffield city-centre, although this time they will use an existing 7km fibre optic cable deployed two years ago by ISP
ASK4 .
Jonathan Hudson, MD of ASK4, said:
“Our customers demand fast, efficient and cost effective methods to access secure and speedy broadband and connectivity. Fibre optic cabling provides this, along with unlimited bandwidth. The way that H2O deploys the fibre cable is also very environmentally friendly so there’s little disruption to the local area and traffic flows during the installation.
“We are welcoming the extension of H2O’s fibre optic footprint in Sheffield, as it means we will be able to reach more of our customers, including more local businesses far more cost effectively.”
Roy Shelton, Commercial Director at H2O, said:
“Over the last two years, ASK4 customers have been able to benefit from super fast connectivity because of the fibre optic network we built for them. This Fibrezone sees us extending our fibre footprint in Sheffield, providing low cost unlimited bandwidth, allowing homes and businesses throughout the city to connect. Our success in Sheffield has proven there is a huge demand for Fibrezone and will therefore drive our planned rollout of a further 10 over the next 12 months.”
Fibrezone makes fibre optic connectivity accessible by deploying the fibre optic cable using i3 Group's unique FS System, which utilises readymade ducts including the waste water (underground sewers) network. This avoids expensive road digs, which is cheaper and reduces disruption to the environment.
In addition to Fibrezone, i3's subsidiary - Fibrecity Holdings - will be connecting more than 1m homes across the UK in the next 10 years. These town and city-wide 100Mbps networks, capable of delivering next generation services, will connect all new and existing homes bringing a true fibre to the home ( FTTH ) experience.
Work will be completed on the 15km ring in Sheffield at the end of September this year.