Wholesale-only full fibre network operator, MS3 Networks, has completed its network build in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire. The network will enable homes and businesses in the area to gain access to a wider pool of broadband providers and save up to £200 per year.
MS3 began building the network across Scunthorpe just over twelve months ago. Now the work is complete and over 37,000 homes and businesses can access MS3’s ultrafast full fibre through one of over 30 broadband partners that provide products and services through MS3’s network.
Residents of Scunthorpe can see if their property is covered by MS3’s network and view the broadband deals available, by entering their postcode on MS3’s price comparison tool. Results can be filtered by package, speed and price. Customers can place an order directly through the website, making the process of switching broadband provider much easier.
Unlike some of the other areas where MS3 operates, Scunthorpe is served by larger network operators, like Openreach and Virgin. However, the launch of MS3’s alternative network onto the market has brought several benefits.
MS3 offers broadband services to the public through its network of channel partners. In Scunthorpe, partners can launch services on MS3’s network for a significant cost saving compared to what they can achieve with other networks.
Broadband partners are able to pass on this cost saving to customers, meaning the network offers a wider choice of broadband providers for homes and businesses, as well as cost savings. Those selecting a provider from a partner on MS3's network are estimated to save around £200 each year on their broadband bill.
What’s more, MS3 offers the only synchronous network covering the majority of Scunthorpe. This means that upload and download speeds are the same, rather than upload speeds being slower than download speeds. This is important for those that are uploading vast amounts of data regularly — think cloud services, sharing photos online, making video calls or online gaming and livestreaming.
The launch of MS3’s network not only impacts broadband bills, but also has a positive impact on the economy of the town. A report commissioned by MS3 from PMP Strategy estimates that MS3’s network could add up to 95 jobs to the wider community in Scunthorpe and £9 million to the town's gross domestic product (GDP).
“We’re on a rapid network expansion plan, which involves covering over 535,000 homes and businesses across the North of England by the end of 2025. It's important that we work as efficiently as possible to hit this target,” explained Guy Miller, CEO of MS3 Networks. “Completing our network build in Scunthorpe marks a moment of success for MS3, but also for the community, which can enjoy affordable, accessible broadband.”
