Grain Broadband Expands Full Fibre Network to Loughborough
Gigabit Internet Coming to Leicestershire City
Loughborough residents will soon have access to ultra-fast broadband speeds, as alternative network operator Grain announced plans to expand their full fibre network to the Leicestershire city. The move comes on the heels of Grain securing a £225 million funding boost to fuel their growth across the UK.
“We’re thrilled to bring our gigabit-capable network to Loughborough,” said Grain CEO Rich Robinson. “Residents and businesses deserve reliable, high-speed internet, and that’s exactly what we aim to deliver.”
Competing with Established Players
Loughborough is already served by several broadband providers, including Openreach, virgin Media, and CityFibre. However, Grain believes there is still room for competition.
“Our focus is on areas with less overbuild and offering competitive pricing,” explained Robinson. “We’re confident Loughborough residents will appreciate having another option for their broadband needs.”
Local road works indicate Grain is preparing to build out their network in central parts of the city. The company declined to share specific coverage targets, but said they aim to reach “a significant portion” of Loughborough homes and businesses.
Residents Eager for More Choice
News of Grain’s expansion was welcomed by many Loughborough residents, who expressed frustration with their current internet options.
“I pay over £40 a month for speeds that barely reach 30 Mbps,” said Sarah Hughes, a 38-year-old accountant. “It’s ridiculous. I can’t wait to see what Grain has to offer.”
Mark Thompson, a small business owner, echoed those sentiments. “Reliable internet is critical for my company. More competition should mean better service and prices for everyone.”
Fueling Growth with Major Investments
Grain’s Loughborough expansion is part of a larger growth strategy made possible by significant investor backing. To date, the ISP has secured around £500 million in funding from Equitix, Albion Capital, Pinnacle Group, and other firms.
Those investments have allowed Grain to rapidly scale their network, which now boasts over 43,000 customers and passes 270,000 UK premises. The company is targeting 600,000 homes passed in the coming years.
“This funding gives us the firepower to accelerate our rollout and connect more communities to full fibre broadband,” said Robinson. “We’re just getting started.”
Pricing and Availability
Grain has not yet announced pricing or service tiers for their Loughborough offerings. However, the company’s packages in other markets start at £22 per month for 100 Mbps speeds and range up to £48 monthly for 900 Mbps connections.
Interested residents can register on Grain’s website to stay updated on availability in their area. The first Loughborough homes are expected to be connected by early 2026.
As Grain and other alternative network operators continue expanding, Loughborough looks to be the latest battleground in the UK’s full fibre broadband race. For residents, that should mean more choice, faster speeds, and competitive prices in the months and years ahead.
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