VodafoneThree has signed a wholesale partnership with Community Fibre, London’s largest full fibre network.
The agreement expands VodafoneThree’s London broadband reach to 1.3 million more homes.
Community Fibre joins Vodafone’s existing wholesale partner network, which includes Openreach and CityFibre reaching 20 million UK homes and businesses already passed by Vodafone’s full fibre footprint, and a further 2.5 million covered by Three’s Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) offering. The partnership pushes VodafoneThree’s combined coverage to over 22.5 million premises claimed to be more than any other UK broadband provider.
Vodafone will also now be offering its home broadband service to Three mobile customers. Three’s users will be able to upgrade to full fibre where available.
Community Fibre’s network delivers speeds of up to 2.5Gbps, enhancing Vodafone’s broadband proposition in London.
The agreement is a key part of VodafoneThree’s strategy to deliver fibre or fibre-like speeds to every UK home and business, positioning the merged group as a major challenger in the UK broadband market.
Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree, said: “Through our strong network of partnerships, we’ve built the biggest full fibre footprint in the country – all part of our commitment to bring fast, reliable broadband to as many households and businesses as possible. We’re delighted to be partnering with Community Fibre, a company that shares our ambition to improve the customer experience, and are looking forward to launching in the market this summer.”
For Community Fibre, the deal marks a milestone in its wholesale growth strategy. By tapping into VodafoneThree’s reach.
Olaf Swantee, Chairman of Community Fibre, commented: “We are delighted that VodafoneThree has selected Community Fibre as a strategic partner. Our excellent reputation for fast and reliable connectivity will support VodafoneThree’s reputation for excellent customer service. This deal helps cement Community Fibre’s position as a key wholesale player in one of the most important broadband markets in the UK.”
VodafoneThree has also announced work on a feasibility study for a new subsea cable system that aims to transform connectivity in the Shetland Islands.
The cable – which would run from mainland Scotland – would provide essential infrastructure for high-speed internet, telecommunications services for local communities as well as businesses. It will also bring much needed digital resilience to the islands as well as support expected future demand in connectivity services as well as create new opportunities such as the development of data centres.
The activity, which has been welcomed by the Scottish Government and will support the islands’ Local Development Plan which includes the development of new communications facilities to support the Island’s sustainable economic opportunities.
