Digital Transformation Starts in Crewe & Nantwich

VX Fiber has started its build of a full fibre open access network throughout Crewe and Nantwich.

The new network will use Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) broadband technology and will provide a dedicated future-proof connection where fibre optic cables are laid all the way from the signal source directly into the property. This is different from the Fibre-from-the-Cabinet (FTTC) offered by some network operators.

As a neutral wholesaler and ‘true’ Open Access operator, VX Fiber is committed to building and operating open access full fibre networks.  Residential and SME business customers can buy both a fibre connection and service, as a single proposition from LilaConnect (VX Fiber’s fibre-deployment business) or from one of its verified independent Service Provider partners.

The project in Crewe and Nantwich shows that VX Fibre and LilaConnect are a driving force in helping the UK achieve its internet connectivity roles of a minimum of 85% of premises connected by 2025 and are committed to delivering full fibre connectivity to homes and businesses in towns and cities throughout the UK.

The company’s current live projects include Stoke-on-Trent, Colchester and London, with more projects to come in 2021 and beyond.

They are:

• Stoke-on-TrentCity Council appointed VX Fiber as their partner to deliver the DCMS funded LFFN, using the Open Access Operator Model.  The city network (Stoke-on-Trent Private Optical Network) is owned by Stoke-on-Trent City Council, whilst VX Fiber has been contracted to build and operate the infrastructure in the public domain.  The City Council recently announced (7 June 2021) its Silicon Stoke Prospectus which set out the city’s digital ambitions.  Via VX Fiber’s fibre-deployment business LilaConnect, it is further investing in the build of the necessary access infrastructure to connect over 100,000 premises across Stoke-on-Trent.
• Colchester: In March this year (2021), VX Fiber kick-started the build of a full fibre open access network across Colchester. The project is part of Colchester Borough Council’s wider plan to transform and future-proof the town’s digital infrastructure and establish itself as one of the best provisioned towns in the country, providing full fibre broadband to homes and businesses across the city.   VX Fiber is making a multi-million pound investment into the necessary access infrastructure to connect premises.  Via our fibre-deployment business LilaConnect, work is progressing well to enable an initial 8,000 homes and businesses within Colchester to benefit from direct access to full fibre gigabit broadband connectivity.
• A partnership betweenLondon Grosvenor, VX Fiber and its Service Provider partners, under the project name “Prime Fibre”, will create a transformative full fibre open access network across Mayfair and Belgravia. This forms part of Grosvenor’s digital strategy, where over the next few years, it will invest in one of the largest “single estate” upgrades in broadband.  To date the ‘Prime Fibre’ project has passed over 3,000 premises, with plans in place to extend beyond the existing catchment areas.

Mikael Sandberg, Chairman at VX Fiber, commented: “It is important to recognize that the shift to full fibre has been taking place on a global scale for over a decade. The UK in general has improved its full fibre coverage from 1% in 2012 to 18% at the end of 2020. Although the UK is playing a long game of catchup with the rest of the world, what is encouraging to note is that full fibre deployment across the UK is ramping up significantly.  We are delighted to be an intrinsic part of the UK’s goal to get the country connected – and are looking forward to delivering Crewe and Nantwich with the digital infrastructure that will help them reap the economic and socio-economic benefits stable, reliable and high-capacity internet connectivity offers.”

Construction work has officially commenced in Stapeley.  All homes and businesses across Crewe and Nantwich will have access to the new gigabit full fibre open access network by the end of 2023. Residents and businesses interested in connecting to the new full fibre network can register their interest at www.lilaconnect.co.uk .

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