Broadband Leaders Discuss Fiber Rollout Challenges and Successes

Top executives from three UK broadband providers shared insights and strategies for deploying fiber networks in a recent series of interviews. Richard Tang, founder and chairman of Zen Internet, spoke with representatives from MS3, Quickline, and B4RN about the challenges and opportunities in expanding high-speed internet access across Britain.

Rural Connectivity Hurdles

“Bringing fiber to remote areas is no easy feat,” said Steve Petrie, COO of MS3. The Hull-based provider has connected over 1,200 homes in East Yorkshire since launching in 2021. “Securing wayleaves and permissions from landowners can take months. But we’re committed to reaching underserved communities.”

Hayley Silvester, Head of Engagement at B4RN, echoed the sentiment. The community-focused provider has laid 5,000 km of fiber, largely in rural Lancashire. “Our success comes from working hand-in-hand with residents. Over 80% of our digging is done by local volunteers eager for better broadband.”

Funding and Partnerships Key

Quickline, which operates fixed wireless and fiber networks, recently secured £500 million in investment from Northleaf Capital Partners. “This funding will accelerate our plan to pass 500,000 premises by 2025,” noted CEO Sean Royce. “Strategic partnerships have been essential for us to navigate supply chain issues and skills gaps.”

Tang emphasized the role of government support, such as voucher schemes and the £5bn Project Gigabit. “While helpful, the process must be streamlined. Smaller altnets often lack the resources to wade through complex paperwork. Collaboration between industry and policymakers is vital.”

Customer Demand Drives Growth

Despite hurdles, all three leaders expressed optimism fueled by strong customer demand. “We’re seeing 50-60% take-up rates,” shared Petrie. “People are desperate to ditch sluggish, unreliable connections. One customer nearly cried when we installed her 900 Mbps service.”

Royce pointed to shifting consumer habits. “Data usage has surged 40% since the pandemic hit. Households now consider fast, stable broadband as essential as electricity. That’s a powerful motivator for us to keep building, even in hard-to-reach areas.”

Bridging the Digital Divide

“Reliable internet is key to revitalizing rural economies and communities,” argued Silvester. “We’ve seen small businesses, farms, and students thrive once they get connected. It’s not just about Netflix; it’s about participating fully in the modern world.”

Tang noted that while over 70% of UK homes can now access gigabit speeds, more work remains to close the digital divide. “We can’t leave rural residents behind. Everyone deserves access to the opportunities and services that depend on robust connectivity.”

The fiber rollout race continues to accelerate as altnets and incumbents vie to expand their networks. As Petrie summed up: “The demand is there, the technology is there. Now it’s about execution to ensure no community is left offline.”