Full fibre expansion for 35,000 homes in Scunthorpe

Full fibre expansion for 35,000 homes in Scunthorpe

~ MS3 Networks expands full fibre rollout in new area of the North East ~

Wholesale-only fibre network operator, MS3 Networks, has officially launched its full fibre services across Scunthorpe with the first batch of properties now connected to its network. When complete, over 35,000 homes and businesses across the area will take advantage of the rollout, which enables access to a gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure and will contribute to making fibre more affordable.

The first properties to benefit from the rollout can now access synchronous broadband speeds of up to one Gigabit per second (Gbps) — over 20 times faster than the current national average in the UK. As a wholesale-only provider, MS3 supplies the service to consumers through its partnerships with multiple internet service providers (ISPs) across the area. Many premises are already benefitting from the rollout, with 35,000 homes and businesses expected to be connected by the beginning of 2023.

As a full fibre solution, properties will be able to take advantage of a fibre to the premise (FTTP) broadband connection. This offers many benefits compared to the currently more common fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) connectivity, including faster internet speeds. While FTTC connections may reach up to 70 megabits per second (Mbps), pure fibre FTTP solutions are what facilitates one Gigabit speeds. It’s also a future-proofed solution, capable of ten Gbps connectivity in the future.

The rollout also gives residents of Scunthorpe more choice in broadband provider. At present, several areas across North East England experience what many industry experts refer to as a “broadband monopoly”. That is, there has been one dominant provider in many areas for many years and a subsequent lack of competition. By connecting premises in these areas, MS3 hopes to break this broadband monopoly and offer residents greater choice in provider.

“So far, much of MS3’s early XGS-PON fibre build, which aims to cover 500,000 UK premises within the next four years, has focused on parts of Hull,” said Guy Miller, CEO of MS3 Networks. “Now, as part of ongoing expansion across the UK, we’re pleased to be supporting Scunthorpe with faster, future-proofed broadband.

“We understand the impact a full fibre network can bring to the local economy, supporting residents professionally, socially and with their education. It’s about more than just delivering an ultrafast internet connection — it’s about giving choice to local communities and equipping them with a tool that impacts almost every area of their lives. We’re working closely with residents in the area to inform them of work we’re carrying out and the benefits of the rollout, and our team will remain on hand to answer any questions as work continues.”

MS3 Networks will be continuing its expansion across the UK, announcing more areas later in 2022.

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