TalkTalk launches subsidiary devoted to fibre roll out

UK ISP TalkTalk is so devoted to rolling out fibre that it has launched a new company – FibreNation – devoted entirely to that.

Apart from the statement of intent this move is noteworthy in so much as it signifies a new, serious competitor to Openreach and Virgin Media in the areas it will operate. It seems to be initially focusing on Yorkshire, but intends to eventually connect three million homes and businesses to ‘full fibre’.

The company will operate as an Openreach-style wholesaler and has apparently already signed up Sky as a customer, which must be delighted to have an alternative to Openreach for its wholesale fixed line needs. The other initial customer, of course, will be TalkTalk itself.

“We’re delighted to launch FibreNation and set out our plan to deliver world class broadband to three million homes and businesses,” said Tristia Harrison, Chief Executive of TalkTalk. “For too long, Britain has trailed the rest of the world when it comes to broadband speed and reliability. We’re determined to change that and invest in the faster, more reliable broadband Britain deserves. This is just the beginning of our plans to be at the heart of Britain’s full fibre future.”

“Investment in ultrafast fibre broadband is crucial for the economic and social vibrancy of our county,” said North Yorkshire County Councillor, Carl Les. “We will be coordinating with TalkTalk through our streetworks team to minimise disruption from the works and ensure this is delivered smoothly so residents can enjoy the benefits of faster, more reliable broadband.”

The leadership of this nascent venture seems to be a bit of a work in progress. It will be chaired by former BT and Telecom New Zealand exec Paul Reynolds but TalkTalk COO Mark Bligh seems to have decided at the last minute not to be its CEO, with that role being taken by Neil McArthur. TalkTalk rather cryptically spoke of Bligh pursuing other opportunities, but he’s still listed as COO on its website and on LinkedIn.

In other news TalkTalk announced a solid set of quarterly numbers, implying some of the turmoil of recent years is behind it, and announced it will be moving its HQ from London to Salford, Manchester. It gave no especially specific reason for the move, but it’s presumably cheaper than London and will be much nearer to all this northern fibre it’s investing in.