Questions & Answers

Discover how your business can benefit from FibreSpeed with this handy guide.

What is FibreSpeed?

FibreSpeed delivers next-generation Internet. It’s a fast, world-class fibre-optic network specially designed to empower people and business. Connect to it, and it will change the way you operate, transforming your business through innovative use of IT.

Isn’t it just fast broadband?

No. Standard broadband still uses copper wires originally designed for telephones and this limits performance. FibreSpeed uses optical-fibre technology designed and dedicated to carrying vast amounts of data at close to the speed of light. There are two other crucial differences. With FibreSpeed, your upload speed can be as fast as your download speed. Anyone who uses standard broadband to transfer large amounts of data knows that broadband often struggles with this. And unless you lease a dedicated line, broadband is shared with many other businesses. It slows down with heavy use. FibreSpeed gives you a dedicated connection, offering very high bandwidth (speed) that is yours alone. So performance is massively enhanced.

So what does that mean?

It means you can use the Internet for so much more. You can use it to run an entire company’s telephone system, so you no longer need to pay telephone line rental. You can use it for teleconferencing, see and speak to people in multiple locations using crystal-clear audio and high definition video. You can share data over private, secure networks with employees or contractors at different sites, at home, or on the move using laptops or mobiles. It’s even possible to locate your software and hardware somewhere else, so you all you need on your premises are computers with a web browser. The Internet connection is so fast, it’s as though everything is on your computer, or on your server in the next room. This is sometimes called virtualisation or cloud computing, and many businesses already work more efficiently by using a set-up like this.

Give me an example…

Anchor Computer Systems creates, manages and maintains software management systems for finance sector industries. By connecting to FibreSpeed, they can host these systems on their own computers, and customers access it and use it via the web. Anchor retains control of the service while removing the hassle of maintenance and updates from customers. However, it also gives Anchor a regular revenue stream, unlike a one-off installation at the customer’s premises. It’s an example of virtualisation or cloud computing, where Anchor’s customers benefit from IT-based services managed and located remotely. The provider – Anchor – benefits too.

We can do all this now, can’t we?

Yes, but broadband can only take you so far. Anchor previously had a leased line over which they offered this ‘virtual’ service. By replacing it with a FibreSpeed connection, they immediately doubled their capacity and as a bonus, it cost less than the leased line. Thanks to the extra capacity, Anchor is trialling a mobile data capture service for several of its customers – and generating another income stream in the process.

Who else is connecting?

Businesses of all sizes and in all sectors. Carlton North Wales, managing agent of luxury student accommodation, is filling its halls because it can offer fast Internet to students. A company providing financial data, Avox, has become more productive in procuring data using Internet searches. Wind energy development consultants West Coast Energy send large data files between their UK sites, and with people working outdoors and from home, remote working is a key part of the business. This network has recently been made faster and more reliable thanks to a FibreSpeed connection, making West Coast Energy more productive and more competitive.

How is it more reliable?

FibreSpeed is a world-class digital communication network, so reliability is built-in. Unlike your broadband connection, FibreSpeed has a back-up system so if something ever goes wrong, the back-up instantly kicks in.

How do I connect?

There are several ways. FibreSpeed has a series of fibre access points located on key business parks. Or, if you’re nearby, you can connect anywhere along the network. Take a look at the map. Further network extensions are being added so please ask if you don’t think you can connect right now. Alternatively, using wireless technology, you can connect even if you’re many miles away. New wireless technologies, such as WiMAX, give you many of the benefits of a fibre connection, and these work seamlessly with FibreSpeed.

How much does it cost?

It depends where you’re located, but connection can cost from as little as £250. Per-month costs start from about the same. Remember, FibreSpeed is not broadband, and once connected you can make cost savings through more efficient ways of working. But don’t just think of FibreSpeed in terms of streamlining. Think about how you can become more competitive and innovative, and generate more income, as in Anchor’s case.

Aren’t BT, Virgin Media and others offering the same thing?

Other providers promise faster Internet but much of this still relies on the existing copper wire technology. Improvements to this technology will continue to struggle to match growing demand. BT Infinity is based on optical-fibre technology like FibreSpeed’s, but it’s going to be several years before it arrives across Wales. Even then, the ‘last mile’ to your door may still use existing copper technology.

Who operates FibreSpeed?

The network is the culmination of a partnership between private enterprise and the Welsh Assembly Government. It’s run by FibreSpeed Ltd, who offer open wholesale access to service providers – businesses that provide specialist network connection and management services. This has created a competitive market for these services, so the end-user gets best value for money.

Where can I find out more?

Explore the pages on this site, email an enquiry to enquiries@fibrespeed.co.uk or call us on 0844 225 2190.