GTC, Power On and Virgin Media O2 partner to offer housebuilders gigabit fibre through a dual lay network

GTC, Power On and Virgin Media O2 have recently launched a new fibre partnership, together delivering fibre ready homes on new build housing developments throughout mainland UK, through a dual lay network, with separate fibres laid in a single duct.

This new partnership will see Virgin Media O2 offer its full range of products including broadband, TV, and phone services, through the Open Fibre Networks (OFNL) duct infrastructure, alongside GTC’s fibre network, which already supports Sky and a choice of 16 other retail voice and broadband providers.

The joint offer gives housebuilders the opportunity to benefit from a dual lay fibre network on housing developments across mainland UK, further enhancing GTC’s existing commercial fibre package for housebuilders, whist offering homeowners even more choice; now including the UK’s fastest major broadband provider, Virgin Media O2.

From November 2021, Virgin Media O2 services will be available via a separate fibre on new developments, with services being delivered through a single duct and chamber network installed by GTC, providing a truly dual network solution via a single on-site shared infrastructure.

Any new contracts signed with GTC from November 2021 (subject to Virgin Media O2 availability), will include the new arrangement with Virgin Media O2, as well as the existing fibre agreement with Sky. GTC will still deduct its highly competitive rebates from the overall cost when taken as part of a multi-utility contract.

GTC is committed to driving forward gigabit connectivity in the UK and has made significant investments to ensure all its fibre infrastructure is gigabit capable today, and as technology and customer usage patterns evolve, even faster speeds in the future.

Rob Evans, Managing Director of Fixed Network Expansion at Virgin Media O2, said: “We remain committed to upgrading the UK, and a key component of this is smart collaboration with partners. This new fibre partnership with GTC will benefit housebuilders via a dual lay fibre network and provide more choice and value for homeowners. We continue to work closely with our partners to ensure all customers on our networks can access gigabit fibre broadband services on the day they move into their new home.”

Nicola Hindle, Chief Operating Officer, GTC, said: “GTC is delighted to have agreed this partnership with Virgin Media O2. This ensures customers on our fibre networks, who already enjoy ultrafast broadband services as standard, will now also be able to choose from another of the UK’s leading providers of TV and broadband services. The great news for housebuilders is that Virgin Media O2 will be available via our fibre network without the cost or hassle of installing any additional duct or chamber infrastructure on their sites. A true win-win situation for housebuilder and homeowner alike.’