UK wholesale fibre network operator Nexfibre has reached two million premises passed and ready for service (RFS) on its network, making it the second largest alternative network operator in the United Kingdom (UK). Nexfibre said it reached the milestone in two years, faster than any other operator, by delivering full-fibre network connectivity to previously underserved premises in suburban and semi-rural areas.
Also Read: Nexfibre Reaches Nearly 1.3 Million Premises Passed and Ready for Service in UK
Partnership with Virgin Media O2
Through its build partnership with Virgin Media O2, the UK wholesale network operator delivered its network to more premises than any other fibre provider in 2024, except for the incumbent, which makes it the UK's second-largest alternative network provider, the company announced on Thursday, January 9, 2025.
10Gbps XGS-PON
Nexfibre attributed this progress to its focus on high build density, rigorous quality control and auditing processes, and the deployment of XGS-PON technology. The company highlighted that it is the only fibre provider of significant scale to exclusively use 10Gbps XGS-PON technology.
Rajiv Datta, Chief Executive Officer of nexfibre, commented on the milestone: "This is an outstanding achievement in just two years of operation – making nexfibre the UK's second largest alternative network. However, our work is far from done. Our mission is to be part of a network platform that drives sustainable, nationwide competition, provides a genuine alternative to Openreach, and transforms access to broadband across the country."
Also Read: Nexfibre Report Highlights Fragile Progress in UK Fibre Market, Calls for Regulatory Action
UK's National Scale Challenger
The wholesale-only operator focuses on providing ISPs and businesses with infrastructure, allowing Virgin Media O2, nexfibre's anchor tenant, to deliver broadband speeds of up to 2Gbps across the nexfibre network.
The combination of nexfibre's fibre network and Virgin Media O2's upgraded network footprint will create the UK's first national-scale challenger to Openreach, the company added.
Nexfibre
Nexfibre is a joint venture between InfraVia Capital Partners, Liberty Global, and Telefónica, financed with £4.5 billion in equity and debt investment. The initial fibre rollout aims to reach 5 million premises by 2026.
