Hyperoptic Targets New Builds In 1Gbps FTTP Broadband Expansion

Alternative fibre to the premise (FTTP) broadband provider Hyperoptic has connected its first new-build housing development.

New homeowners at the QEII development in Welwyn Garden City, built by Bellway Homes, will receive a three month free trial of the 1Gbps service in an attempt to tempt them over more established rivals like BT.

Hyperoptic aims to connect more than 300,000 homes and businesses by 2019 and says it wants to work with more developers to expand the reach of its network, which covers more than 20 cities across the UK.

Hyperoptic broadband

For prospective partners, the argument is that FTTP will make a home more valuable and attract families wanting a good connection for entertainment and work purposes.

“Having a full fibre connection makes a home more attractive for prospective family buyers,” said Steve Holford, chief commercial officer at Hyperoptic. “The difference between an ADSL connection and our full fibre service is like night and day.”

“We also recognised at an early stage that physical infrastructure is just one part of the puzzle that makes a desirable family home,” added Jody Bryant from Bellway. “Today’s modern family is reliant on an increasing number of connected devices and without a fast, reliable broadband connection it can seriously impact their quality of life and indeed family harmony.

“Full fibre broadband ensures that they should never have to worry about fluctuating speeds or peak time slowdowns, plus the property is future-proofed for any new advance in technology.”

Last year Hyperoptic received a £21 million loan from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to help fund its planned expansion, bringing the company’s total funding for £75 million.

BT is also working with home developers to hasten its own rollout of FTTP.

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