Rapid broadband deal for borough

Hyperoptic is backed by major investors including George Soros - Getty

The London borough of Southwark has sealed a landmark deal with Hyperoptic, the ultra-fast broadband challenger, that will bring full fibre connectivity to nearly 100,000 homes and businesses.

Hyperoptic, backed by major investors including George Soros, will install faster and more reliable new broadband lines for 53,000 council homes in Southwark over the next year. The project means a further 45,000 homes and business will also get a broadband upgrade.

Once complete, the roll-out will mean 80pc of premises in Southwark will be on the Hyperoptic network.

Dana Tobak, its chief executive, said council support will help tackle planning roadblocks that have slowed down upgrade elsewhere. The deal is the latest example of a local authority stepping in to deliver better internet infrastructure amid widespread frustration with BT. 

Last week VXFiber, a Swedish company, landed a deal with Stoke-on-Trent City council to build a full fibre network that will be owned by the local authority and funded by borrowing.

Openreach, BT’s network unit, has committed to connect three million homes with fibre optics by 2020.