CityFibre successfully completes 2Gbps broadband trial in York
CityFibre says it is a step closer to delivering “multi-gig” full-fibre services to customers after a successful trial in York with Vodafone.
The independent telecoms company was able to provide speeds of 2Gbps to a select number of people in the northeastern city using cutting-edge XGS-PON technology.
CityFibre upgraded its network from G-PON in York last summer and is now set to deliver faster and more reliable services as standard from April 2023.
Eventually, CityFibre is planning on rolling out incredibly fast 10Gbps fibre broadband as it continues to futureproof its entire footprint.
One benefit of XGS-PON is that it allows CityFibre to make cost-efficient upgrades to its network.
This is because new customers can be added to existing OLT ports, which is cheaper and optimises power consumption and overall efficiency.
During the trial, Vodafone also worked closely with CityFibre, providing equipment such as the Ultra Hub and a Super WiFi6E Boost service to make ultrafast speeds possible.
CityFibre Product Director Michael Greening believes 2Gbps is just the tip of the iceberg regarding the network’s full capabilities.
He added: “Thanks to our XGS-PON upgrade programme, we’ll be able to offer symmetrical speeds of up to 10Gbps in the future, further evidence that not all full-fibre networks are created equal.”
Meanwhile, Vodafone said the successful trial is a case study for the “true capability” of its broadband and router, the latter of which it hailed as the “UK’s fastest”.
Vodafone is currently the only major provider with a home router that can deliver speeds of 2Gbps and higher.