Upp appoints network design and build partner for UK FTTH

UK ISP and network builder, Upp has partnered with network design and build firm Light Source to help deliver its FTTH connection across Lincolnshire. 

Earlier this year, the relatively new ISP said that it would commit £1bn to deploy a full fibre network to 1 million premises in eastern England by 2025. The ISP, which began its life last year (then known as FibreMe), plans to boost the UK’s competitive position in the European digital market and create more than 600 new jobs in a sustainable way. 

The funding for the plan was committed by international investment business LetterOne. Having secured the necessary regulatory approvals, Upp has been deploying its own regional fibre backhaul networks, with contractors already building in towns in Norfolk and Lincolnshire. During the build phase, Upp will extensively use Openreach’s ducts and poles, as well as access assets from other infrastructure owners to accelerate deployment and minimise traffic disruption.

The town of Stamford in the south of the county is already playing host to an active Upp network, with several other areas due to go live in the coming weeks. Light Source is taking the lead in Stamford and will be expanding its deployment to other towns across the UK as Upp expands their network.

Upp’s chief operations officer, Eryl Stafford said: We are thrilled to be working with Light Source. We chose them because they strive for excellence in their delivery of FTTH infrastructure, but also align with Upp on so many of our values. There’s an exciting future ahead as we continue our roll-out alongside Light Source throughout the East of England.’

Steve Hill, managing director of Light Source added: ‘The team at Light Source are delighted to secure this partnership. Upp have some very ambitious plans and we are privileged to be part of their journey to rapidly rollout fibre to communities and businesses.’