Basalt Infrastructure Partners LLP (Basalt) has revealed its plan to merge FullFibre and Digital Infrastructure, two prominent UK fiber to the premises network operators, to create a formidable single wholesale platform. This move reflects the competitive nature of the UK fiber market and aims to provide greater scale and enhanced routes to market for these established fiber assets.
The merged entity, under the leadership of CEO Oliver Helm, will not only integrate the existing footprint of Digital Infrastructure and FullFibre but will also continue expanding into more rural regions. The merger strategically aligns with FullFibre’s wholesale-first approach and is set to become one of the significant players in the UK alternative network sector, with a network accessible by over 250,000 homes and businesses that are Ready for Service (RFS) today. The ambitious goal is to bring fiber services to 1 million live premises through a wholesale business model.
BeFibre, the internet service provider (ISP) of Digital Infrastructure, currently offering retail services via both the FullFibre and Digital Infrastructure networks, will remain a part of the group and operate as a customer of the enhanced wholesale platform.
Key Highlights:
Over 250,000 RFS premises available today, with more than 300,000 expected by the year’s end.
A combined build rate of up to 40,000 new RFS premises per month.
Actively building or nearing completion in 67 towns.
Wil Jones, Partner at Basalt, emphasized the importance of this merger in the maturing UK fiber sector. He believes that creating a business with substantial scale and a single wholesale platform is essential for long-term success and for strengthening their market position.
Oliver Helm, CEO at FullFibre, highlighted the expertise and capabilities of both Digital Infrastructure and FullFibre teams and expressed confidence in accelerating the expansion of their fiber network. The merged organization is poised to be a top-tier player among well-established alternative networks in the UK, with a focus on delivering exceptional network infrastructure to ISPs, their customers, and communities.
This merger sets the stage for substantial progress in the UK fiber market, further enhancing the delivery of essential fiber infrastructure, especially in historically underserved areas.
