Fibre Expands to Suburbs: ITS and Boldyn Link Four London Boroughs

Key Takeaways

Boldyn Networks and ITS are collaborating to create four fibre networks in south London boroughs: Bromley, Lewisham, Merton, and Wandsworth.
The project, funded by the Greater London Authority, aims to enhance connectivity for over 9,000 business premises and critical infrastructure.
This initiative supports digital inclusion and economic growth, leveraging existing assets from Boldyn Networks within the London Underground.

Public-Private Partnership for Enhanced Connectivity

Boldyn Networks has partnered with ITS, a UK fibre infrastructure provider, to establish new fibre networks in four south London boroughs: Bromley, Lewisham, Merton, and Wandsworth. This initiative is financed by the Greater London Authority (GLA) through its Strategic Investment Fund, which aims to boost economic growth and productivity in the capital.

While the specific funding amount remains undisclosed, the project will utilize Boldyn’s 20-year concession with Transport for London (TfL) to offer improved connectivity across the city. ITS operates wholesale high-speed fibre networks intended for business-to-business (B2B) internet service providers (ISPs) and will make use of Boldyn’s existing infrastructure, including assets located in the London Underground.

The enhanced fibre infrastructure will benefit various public facilities such as council offices, libraries, and community centers, while also connecting critical CCTV systems in high-traffic areas across the four boroughs. According to a press statement, “over 9,000 overlooked business premises” will gain access to “gigabit-capable services” via ITS’s partners, thereby expanding network coverage to 70% of London’s commercial properties.

Boldyn Networks has secured a major contract with TfL to provide 4G and 5G connectivity throughout the London transport network. The company is rapidly growing through acquisitions and is a key player in the UK’s private network sector. Meanwhile, ITS, which builds and operates wholesale B2B fibre networks, collaborates with various tech resellers and public entities. Their XGS passive optical fibre network (PON) supports symmetrical speeds of up to 10 Gbps for enterprises.

With ITS already reaching about 25% of UK businesses, the partnership with Boldyn aims to address digital exclusion and build community connectivity. Daren Baythorpe, CEO of ITS, emphasized that this project will “transform local communities” by bridging the digital divide and attracting investment.

Paul Osborne, the Chief Commercial Officer for Boldyn Networks in the UK and Ireland, hailed the project as a prime example of effective public-private partnership. He stated that the effort would significantly enhance connectivity in the boroughs, leveraging existing infrastructure to promote thriving local economies.

Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London for Business and Growth, added that reliable high-speed broadband is essential for improving public services and driving economic growth. He noted that this initiative, supported by the Mayor’s funding, is pivotal in addressing the digital divide and fostering long-term growth for all London residents and businesses.

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