Quote: Cityfibre "National framework agreement will see first UK deployments of dark fibre connectivity to mobile masts improving network performance and reducing cost
13 November 2014 - Leading fibre optic infrastructure provider CityFibre has signed a long-term national framework agreement with mobile network operators EE and Three UK, along with their infrastructure joint venture, Mobile Broadband Network Limited (MBNL).
The deal will see CityFibre deploy the UK’s first dark fibre backhaul connections to mobile masts across both operators’ networks, improving network performance capabilities as well as offering long term cost efficiency. It also marks the expansion of critically needed diversity in the mobile operators’ supply chains.
Dark fibre is fibre cabling that is already in the ground, but has not yet been connected to carry traffic. Lighting up dark fibre effectively supplies operators with their own fibre infrastructure, a future-proofed platform offering near limitless capacity for the same fixed cost. This is an invaluable asset in the face of operators’ growing bandwidth requirements and increasing backhaul traffic to and from cell sites driven by booming data demand and the proliferation of connected devices.
The first project of the framework is already underway in Kingston-upon-Hull, where CityFibre is in the process of overhauling MBNL’s network, providing both EE and Three with the ability to deploy high speed access to their masts, improving the customer experience in the area. This work also presents an opportunity for EE and Three to deploy advanced network technology features and trial cutting edge technologies. CityFibre, EE, Three UK and MBNL are already examining how the dark fibre solution could be rolled out to further towns and cities in the UK under the national framework agreement.
CityFibre’s project for the mobile sites in Hull is the first step in an anticipated larger build-out following CityFibre’s “Well-Planned City” model, under which the Company’s shared fibre infrastructure is also available for use by service providers covering multiple market segments.'"
This looks fantastic, maybe we will be getting some competition in Hull at last. Seems to have affected KC's share price. Definately one to watch.
