Fibrus Taps Industry Veterans to Drive Expansion as Managing Directors

Fibrus, a leading fiber broadband provider, has named industry veterans Conor Harrison and Shane Haslem as its new Managing Directors. The appointments come as the company ramps up its £500 million rollout across Northern Ireland and Great Britain.

Decades of Telecom Experience

Harrison and Haslem bring a wealth of expertise to their new roles. Harrison has over 25 years of experience in the telecom sector, most recently serving as Group Chief Operating Officer at Enet.

“Fibrus is at an exciting juncture,” Harrison said. “I look forward to leveraging my experience to drive the company’s ambitious growth plans.”

Haslem, a chartered director, has held senior roles at Eir, Open Eir, Eircom and BT. “Fibrus has already made significant strides,” he noted. “I’m thrilled to help lead the next phase of expansion.”

Accelerating Fiber Rollout

The new Managing Directors will oversee Fibrus’ aggressive fiber deployment. The company aims to pass 330,000 premises by March 2024, a 57% increase from its current footprint.

“We’re thrilled to have Shane and Conor on board,” said Fibrus Chair Conal Henry. “Their leadership will be instrumental as we accelerate our £500 million investment in lightning-fast, reliable broadband.”

Transforming Connectivity for Underserved Areas

Fibrus’ network currently spans 108 regional towns and villages, with over 145,000 premises passed. However, many areas still lack access to high-speed internet.

“Our cottage can barely stream a YouTube video,” said Maureen O’Neill, a retiree in rural County Tyrone. “We’ve been waiting for proper broadband for years.”

The company’s expansion aims to bridge this digital divide. Over 50% of its deployment will focus on underserved rural communities.

“Fast internet is a necessity, not a luxury,” Harrison emphasized. “We’re committed to ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age.”

Boosting Local Economies

Fibrus’ investment is also expected to create 600 new jobs and generate £1.1 billion in economic benefits over the next decade.

“Reliable broadband is a game-changer for small businesses like mine,” said Liam Mackenzie, owner of a graphic design firm in Enniskillen. “It opens up new markets and opportunities.”

Studies show that every £1 invested in fiber broadband yields a £4 return for the local economy. Fibrus’ rollout could inject millions into the communities it serves.

Full Speed Ahead

With its new leadership team in place, Fibrus is poised for rapid growth. The company plans to announce several strategic partnerships in the coming months to further accelerate its deployment.

“We’re just getting started,” Haslem said. “Our goal is to become the premier fiber broadband provider in Northern Ireland and beyond. Watch this space.”