The parent company of gigabit full fibre broadband experts LilaConnect has merged with wholesale provider Freedom Fibre.
Digital infrastructure specialist VX UK has been working closely with Stoke-on-Trent City Council on a major connectivity project to transform the digital landscape.
The merger with Freedom Fibre FTTP Networks will create an expanded service, which will be offered to existing and new Internet Service Providers (ISPs) along with the wholly owned retail ISP LilaConnect.
The LilaConnect brand will continue post-merger with its gigabit full fibre connectivity made accessible to homes, businesses, and communities across the network.
The company was established in 2021 to enter the UK market and transform Stoke-on-Trent into a “Gigabit City” by offering high-speed internet connectivity.
Daily Focus reported that it recently set up a new home at Keele University’s Science and Innovation Park – emphasising its commitment to the area and to facilitate further business and workforce growth.
Over the past three years, LilaConnect has connected more than 13,000 customers to its gigabit full fibre offering in Stoke-on-Trent, Bristol, Colchester, Wivenhoe, Crewe and Nantwich, Leek and Uttoxeter.
Recently the ISP announced that it is switching on its gigabit full fibre networks making it accessible to an additional 6,900 homes and businesses across Leek, as well as Etruria, Cliffe Vale and Shelton in Stoke-on-Trent.
The Freedom Fibre group will be run by Freedom Fibre founder and CEO Neil McArthur MBE with Jan Lange, Managing Director of LilaConnect, joining the existing Freedom Fibre Senior Leadership Team.
TalkTalk, a minority shareholder since 2021 – will remain a shareholder in the combined business.
Neil McArthur, CEO of Freedom Fibre, said: “This strategic merger leverages the strengths of both Freedom Fibre and VX UK to create a larger, stronger and more diverse business backed by two significant investors with ambitions for growth.
“We are delighted to be joining forces with the VX team and are hugely excited about the future potential of the newly combined business.”
