Truespeed Communications and Freedom Fibre have signed an agreement to combine their businesses. The combined entity will play a role in the ongoing consolidation of the UK alternative network (‘altnet’) sector. This merger brings together two businesses with a combined footprint of 412,000 premises ready for service, and 70,000 customers, concentrated across the North-West, West Midlands, South-West and East of England.

Both businesses bring a proven track record of multi-location M&A execution and integration. Truespeed, after merging with County Broadband in 2025, has already consolidated its South-West and East of England networks into a single operation with integrated capabilities. Freedom Fibre, based in the North-West, had previously merged with VX UK in 2024, with network infrastructure in the West Midlands, South-West and East of England, plus the Internet Service Provider (ISP) LilaConnect, to create an integrated wholesale and multi-brand retail operation.

Long-term investors Aviva Investors, InfraBridge, and Equitix, each with significant experience in the UK FTTP sector, are backing the transaction. Together with the management team, they aim to boost customer numbers, enhance service quality, and achieve sustainable, capital-efficient growth.

Nathan Vautier, proposed CEO of the combined group post-completion, commented: “This merger is a strategic step that demonstrates our commitment to ongoing industry consolidation and growth. As we combine expertise and scale, our new platform is primed to lead future M&A and drive broader transformation. Together, we are set to accelerate expansion, create value and shape the sector’s evolution.”

Nelson Missier, proposed Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer of the combined group post-completion, said: “This merger is an exciting development and the next logical step for Truespeed and Freedom Fibre. By combining complementary capabilities and business operations, we are creating a powerhouse to drive commercial growth, profitability and consolidation in the sector. Our shared vision is to grow further and faster, delivering world-class connectivity and exceptional service to our wholesale and retail customers”.

Ian Shervell, Senior Director, Infrastructure Equity, at Aviva Investors, said: “We are glad to back this merger between Truespeed and Freedom Fibre. As the UK telecoms market matures, we believe Truespeed and Freedom Fibre bring together critical capabilities for future success, including experienced teams, high penetration levels, strong brand recognition, and a wholesale model underpinned by scalable technology and efficient operations. We believe the newly combined business is well-placed to capitalise on UK market trends, leading to improved performance prospects.”

James Burke, Managing Director & Co-Head, InfraBridge, added: “This combination is a highly logical next step for both businesses. Truespeed and Freedom Fibre bring complementary network footprints, operating models and go-to-market strengths, creating a stronger platform with greater operational depth, broader geographic reach and a more balanced wholesale and retail offering.”

The merger is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in Q2 2026.

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Categories: Articles, Broadband, Business, ISP, M&A

Tags: altnet, freedom fibre, Truespeed, UK