NextGenUs CIC ( Fibrestream ), a community network builder that specialises in deploying true superfast fibre optic based broadband ISP services into remote rural UK towns and villages, has today moved to expand its "Social Enterprise" approach (i.e. getting local people to help build and invest in the infrastructure) across the country with the launch of a new website.

The operators mix of 100Mbps capable Fibre-to-the-Home ( FTTH ) and Wi-Fi (aka - FiWi) technology has already helped to connect a number of remote locations and villages, from the RNLI station in Humber (here) to their plans for covering the whole of Cumbria (here). So far their privately funded and community owned approach has not required any government funding to deliver.


NextGenUs would ideally like to establish "pioneering exemplar networks in every county across the UK" and has called upon residents and businesses of any related rural villages to become 'Broadband Pioneers' by registering their interest via the new website; www.nextgenus.co.uk.

The site does a good job of simplifying the processes involved and NextGenUs looks to be taking the task seriously, although its aim to expand beyond a few niche rural deployments is both complex, difficult and runs the risk of clashing with similar ideals by other operators. Still, the country is probably big enough for everybody.

The governments Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) office currently aims to bring superfast broadband (24Mbps+) services to 90% of the population by 2015, although that still leaves a not insignificant 10% out in the cold. Some will be happy with Satellite but others may want something more robust and this is where NextGenUs hopes to help.