Sky Broadband Poised to Launch on CityFibre Network, Bringing Faster Speeds to Tens of Thousands

Sky Set to Go Live with CityFibre by May

Sky Broadband, one of the UK’s largest internet providers, is gearing up to launch services on CityFibre’s alternative full fibre network in a move that could bring faster, cheaper broadband to tens of thousands of homes as soon as May 2025.

While an exact launch date has not been confirmed, sources indicate Sky has completed backend development and is now testing live customer journeys. The ISP could have a soft launch ready by June.

Boost for CityFibre Network Expansion

The partnership with Sky is a major win for CityFibre as it looks to secure additional funding to expand its network, which currently covers 4.4 million premises. Landing a top-tier provider like Sky is key to demonstrating the viability of its wholesale model.

“Having Sky on board validates our network and will help us reach our goal of 8 million homes passed even faster,” said a CityFibre spokesperson. “We’re thrilled to bring their customers more choice.”

Faster Speeds at Lower Prices Expected

For Sky customers, the move to CityFibre’s network promises symmetric speeds at lower costs compared to incumbent provider Openreach. While exact packages and pricing have yet to be revealed, the potential for gigabit speeds at competitive prices is high.

“I’m really looking forward to having proper fibre with Sky,” said Jill Thompson, a Sky TV customer in Leeds. “I’ll finally be able to get the speeds I need for streaming and working from home without breaking the bank.”

Gradual Rollout Planned

Sources say Sky will likely begin with a controlled rollout to new customers in select CityFibre areas before moving into migrations of existing Openreach customers. Bulk migrations are unlikely due to the need for engineer visits to install new equipment.

Sky’s launch on CityFibre is expected to align with the network’s upgrade to XGS-PON technology in June, enabling 10Gbps speeds. The ISP may also bundle a new router to support the faster connections.

CityFibre Aims for 8 Million Premises

While CityFibre’s original 2025 target for 8 million homes passed now seems unlikely, the operator is exploring acquisitions of smaller alt-nets to boost growth. It also holds Project Gigabit contracts worth nearly £1 billion to further propel its rollout.

The addition of Sky and its customer base could be the catalyst CityFibre needs to reach its lofty expansion goals. For consumers, it means more choice and better broadband on the horizon.