FibreSpeed is an exciting new concept and business providing North Wales with a high-performance optical fibre network, transforming economic prospects for the region. After winning the competitive tender from the Welsh Assembly Government with a unique solution designed to serve Wales for many years to come, construction commenced in November 2007 for the first phase of the project.
Geo, FibreSpeed’s parent company has been contracted as the prime contractor to build the network, which will allow world-class communication services to be delivered to Welsh businesses. The first part of the network is due to be on line in the second half of 2008, when some restricted services might be available to beta customers. Full service launch is expected In Q1 2009.
Financing for the project has come jointly from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), the Welsh Assembly Government and Geo Networks Ltd. This unique public – private partnership should be a benchmark project for future projects throughout the UK and Europe.
The network was initially planned to connect 14 strategic business park locations, in North Wales. By the Service launch, 13 sites will be constructed, with 2 other sites coming on line in conjunction with the Government’s investment plan for the business parks. Overall the network could potentially expand to incorporate around 50 locations across Wales.
FibreSpeed will, when completed, equip Wales with a robust telecommunications infrastructure capable of supporting some ambitious economic objectives. It will achieve this by working as a platform for the delivery of world-class broadband services over an open access network.
As a wholesale-only player, FibreSpeed will allow service providers, ISPs, telcos and other organisations that sell ICT services to the Welsh market to acquire capacity and offer high speed and high bandwidth communications services to businesses and consumers at the same rates enjoyed in other more urbanised parts of the UK.
