Full fibre roll out extends into West Sussex and Kent
An Eastbourne firm has announced a multi-million pound investment in the region with a major expansion.
Thanks to major investment from Foresight Group, the firm’s expansions into West Sussex and Kent has been confirmed. The investment means the network will reach 140,000 homes and businesses and is helping the local job market, with Lightning Fibre recruiting extra staff taking them up to around 200 employees.
Initial success
After a successful roll out in Eastbourne, the firm moved out to the rest of the town and Hastings, and extra investment saw them extend into Hailsham and Heathfield last year. Now a new wave of private funding will enable expansion grow into Haywards Heath and Tenterden, with more towns under review as part of this giga-bit revolution.
The firm recently strengthened its Board, with the appointment of Amit Thakrar, portfolio director, at Foresight Group and Tim Passingham, chairman of Cambridge Management Consulting, who join fellow Board members, founder and CEO of Lightning Fibre, Ben Ferriman and Simon Bonini, non-executive director.
Ben Ferriman said the successful roll out and rapid progress of the firm had been exciting, with exceptional customer care at the forefront: “We have not only built a network, we’ve built a brand.”
He added: “We have thousands of happy customers in Eastbourne, and I am delighted that we have recently connected our first customers in Heathfield and Hailsham. We are ahead of schedule, and we’re delighted to now push into two new counties.”
Good news
Politicians have also welcomed the news, with Councillor Stephen Hillier from Mid Sussex District Council saying: “This private investment is great for our region and creates more local jobs. Haywards Heath residents and businesses can access a hyper fast Full Fibre broadband network. I welcome this news and I wish Lightning Fibre every success.”
Foresight Group portfolio director Amit Thakrar said: “Progress in terms of network build, as well as uptake on the retail side of the business, has been extremely encouraging. All expectations have been exceeded and the positive reputation in the towns served by Lightning Fibre further supports the case for expansion. Studies* have shown full fibre optic networks reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote wider access to employment and education.
“The opportunity to accelerate the network build is very exciting and we’re confident the Lightning Fibre team will continue to surpass all our expectations.”
Cost of living help
The firm – which is rated excellent on TrustPilot – has also permanently reduced its 1Gbps price by 25% and its 100Mbps price to £24 per month, making it one of the lowest cost full fibre providers in the region. It has also abolished set up fees on many of its packages.
Speaking about the new developments, Damian Green, MP for Ashford, said: “The Government committed at the last election to deliver nationwide gigabit-broadband. This private investment helps us meet that commitment. This announcement not only means Tenterden residents and businesses can access a hyper fast Full Fibre broadband network, it also creates more local jobs.”
Lightning Fibre’s investment model means that the company can also lay its own, brand new infrastructure, opening up Full Fibre to almost every home and business in the towns it serves.
Register your interest now
If you want to know more you can register your interest at www.LightningFibre.co.uk
Once the roll out reaches your area, simply call 01323 380260 or go online to arrange your installation.
If you have questions or concerns about roadworks email [email protected] or call them, and they will be happy to assist.
*Source: ‘Copper switch-off European experience and practical considerations’ for FTTH Council Europe by WIK-Consult GmbH Ilsa Godlovitch Peter Kroon 30 November 2020.