New CEO for BeFibre and Digital Infrastructure as FTTP growth trajectory continues

Paul Doyle joins with over 40 years’ experience in telecommunications and a track record in value creation and strategic change. Until 2018, he managed the full range of technology, operations, commercial, finance, and support functions, for Ireland’s largest telco, eir Ireland. The last five years have since seen him advise a number of progressive technology businesses, as a non-executive director. 

The news marks the latest chapter of expansion in BeFibre and Digital Infrastructure’s nationwide FTTP (fibre-to-the-premises) rollout strategy. Having progressed from ambitious start-ups to established brands within the UK connectivity market, the ISP is now selling broadband in more than 30 of the country’s towns and cities. Meanwhile, Digital Infrastructure is well on its way to rolling out to a fully designed base of 400,000 premises, with over 100,000 now ready for connection.

With access to an initial £100m of private investment from Basalt Infrastructure Partners, the build areas are anticipated to double by the end of 2023, taking the rollout figure to 60 locations this year alone.

“We are committed to fulfilling our growth ambitions and I’m looking forward to driving this forward as we move into the next phase of our business plan — developing our network and evolving our proposition on a much larger scale.”

Paul added: “While competition in the market has intensified, there is ever-rising demand for high-speed broadband in the UK — particularly in underserved areas. BeFibre’s aim is to empower consumers with a fit-for-the-future network that delivers the guaranteed speeds they need now, providing a premium product at an affordable price point.”

Louise Elliott, chief customer and operations officer at BeFibre and Digital Infrastructure commented: “Paul has joined us at a pivotal moment in our rollout strategy. Not only are we extending the reach of our nationwide rollout to build better broadband, we’re also embedding ourselves in the communities we serve.  We are actively engaging and committed to investing in the areas we operate in, including sponsoring grassroots football teams, providing equipment for schools, and supporting local charity initiatives. By being at the heart of these communities, we’re building significant relationships and gaining insight into the local infrastructure, demographics, and unique challenges faced by residents.“

Clowne, Worcester, Brightlingsea and Skelmersdale are just a few of several project areas where the build is well underway, with more areas set to be announced by the end of the year.

BeFibre has also been shortlisted for a duo of titles — Best Fibre Marketing Campaign and Overall Fibre Provider of the Year — at this year’s esteemed UK Fibre Awards. The ceremony takes place on 15 June at the Marriott Hotel, Grosvenor Square, London.