UK-based connectivity supplier SSE Enterprise Telecoms has announced details of a fibre agreement with local mobile network operators (MNOs) Three UK and O2 UK that it says, ‘will form the basis of enhanced fibre access in the country’s capital’. In a press release regarding the matter, SSE Enterprise Telecoms noted that its partnership with the MNOs will centre around the use of its fibre ring – where a proportion of the network is located in the Thames Water waste water network – to significantly enhance both cellcos’ backhaul capabilities and pave the way for further 4G and 5G deployments by connecting cell sites and masts.
Following a deal inked in 2017, SSE Enterprise Telecoms is licensed to lay fibre-optic cables throughout Thames Water’s waste water network. Its agreement with Three and O2 will see approximately 100 points of connectivity exit from this central London sewer network via two BT exchanges. It has been claimed that by partnering with SSE Enterprise Telecoms, the MNOs will be able to operate their own Central London Area (CLA) network, while also accessing spare fibre ducts for future initiatives in the capital.
Commenting on the tie-up, Three UK CEO Dave Dyson said: ‘New and innovative models are essential to improving the customer experience of mobile networks by increasing the availability of dark fibre for mobile backhaul and driving competition in the market. Our partnership with SSE Enterprise Telecoms and O2 is one of the first examples of using existing infrastructure to improve connectivity in an urban area.’ Meanwhile, Brendan O’Reilly, Chief Technology Officer of O2, added: ‘This kind of agreement is essential to allow for continued investment and improvement of services for our customers. This partnership is a great example of SSE Enterprise Telecoms, Three UK and O2 coming together in a collaborative and innovative way to address the growing challenge and pressure of obtaining access to fibre for mobile backhaul in the UK.’