- CityFibre to acquire full fibre infrastructure of Connexin, expanding its footprint by up to 185,000 premises.
- Acquisition includes built network assets and Project Gigabit contract for rural broadband rollout.
What happened: Strategic expansion through acquisition
CityFibre, the UK’s largest independent full fibre platform, has announced the acquisition of Connexin’s full fibre infrastructure in a strategic agreement. This move will significantly expand CityFibre’s nationwide footprint by up to 185,000 premises, establishing a strong presence in Hull and East Riding. The acquisition includes Connexin’s existing network assets, which currently pass over 80,000 premises, as well as work in progress to reach an additional 20,000 premises. CityFibre will also take on Connexin’s Project Gigabit contract, aimed at delivering gigabit-capable broadband to over 34,000 hard-to-reach premises in Nottinghamshire and West Lincolnshire. This contract will further enhance CityFibre’s role in the UK’s digital infrastructure development.
The integration of Connexin’s XGS-PON network into CityFibre’s infrastructure is expected to be completed later this year. This will extend CityFibre’s market-leading wholesale products and services across the new footprint. The acquisition follows CityFibre’s successful integration of Lit Fibre in May 2024, demonstrating the company’s ability to drive network growth through strategic acquisitions.
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Why it is important
The acquisition of Connexin’s full fibre infrastructure by CityFibre is a significant step in the UK’s digital transformation. It underscores CityFibre’s commitment to expanding its nationwide network and enhancing connectivity for both urban and rural areas. By taking on Connexin’s Project Gigabit contract, CityFibre will play a crucial role in delivering high-speed broadband to underserved regions, supporting the UK government’s initiative to improve digital infrastructure.
Connexin will continue to operate and expand its services, including Internet of Things (IoT) and smart home solutions, leveraging CityFibre’s extensive network. This partnership will enable both companies to bring enhanced connectivity and smart technology solutions to consumers and businesses across the UK. The acquisition also highlights the ongoing consolidation in the UK’s digital infrastructure market, with CityFibre positioning itself as a key player in this sector.
