London focused broadband ISP G.Network, which has spent the past few years building a gigabit speed Fibre-to-the-Premises (FTTP) network across parts of the city centre (here), has completed the “first phase” of a new deployment with the Peabody Trust – extending their fibre optic service to more homes across Camden and Westminster.
The curiously named Peabody Trust is said to be one of the UK’s oldest not-for-profit housing association and their partnership with G.Network has, since the first installation in January 2024, enabled “hundreds of customers” to be covered by FTTP broadband – often without the need for multiple individual wayleave agreements (legal land/property access deals).
Residents living in Peabody homes have also been able to benefit from G.Network’s social tariff, Essential Fibre. The tariff provides eligible residents with access to 50Mbps full fibre broadband for just £15 a month, enabling G.Network to break down the digital divide and reduce social poverty by financially supporting Peabody residents.
The agreement with Peabody follows the announcement of a partnership with Islington Council and Greater London Authority (GLA) late last year, with the full fibre provider continuing to expand its network across the capital to “meet growing demand in 2024“. But at the same time G.Network are allegedly said to be exploring the potential of a future sale of their network (here).
Kevin Murphy, CEO of G.Network, said:
“G.Network is ambitious about improving connectivity across the capital, as it is an essential part of Londoner’s daily lives. Far too often customers are experiencing frustrating delays caused by the complexity of wayleave agreements. Reflecting on our partnership with Peabody allows us to recognise the importance of removing physical and social barriers to connectivity. We are delighted to have strategic partners like Peabody, onboard, enabling us to better connect Londoners by rolling our full-fibre network fairly and affordably across the boroughs”.
Residential customers of the service typically pay from £19 per month for a 150Mbps (50Mbps upload) service on a 24-month term with free installation (£24 thereafter), which rises to £30 for their top 900Mbps plan (£35 thereafter). Shorter 12 and 1 month contracts are also available, albeit at extra cost, and a symmetric speed 900Mbps plan also exists.
Today’s news follows shortly after the operator secured an additional investment of £85m from long term equity investor USS to support their “next phase of growth“ (here), which was on top of last year’s commitment by the same investor for “up to an additional” £150m (here).