17 April 2025
Xantaro, Europe’s leading solution provider for high-performance networks, IT security, and managed services, has been chosen by Freedom Fibre to deliver an integrated, end-to-end solution aimed at rapidly expanding gigabit-enabled full-fibre networks across Shropshire. This partnership is pivotal to Freedom Fibre’s ambition of becoming one of the top five alternative network providers (altnets) in the UK.
The agreement involves Xantaro providing its innovative “Cabinet-as-a-Service” street cabinet solution, combined with fixed and IP services offered by Nokia. As part of their collaboration, Xantaro has introduced the “Golden Cab” concept, which entails moving street cabinets to a staging facility for thorough testing prior to their deployment in the field. This proof-of-concept strategy guarantees that the Nokia equipment, renowned for its future-proof capabilities, is fully tested and configured, ensuring minimal disruption during installation.
Beyond the physical cabinet services, Xantaro will contribute its professional services team to oversee the High Level Design (HLD) and Low Level Design (LLD) for the active network. This includes configuring network elements and managing the installation and commissioning of the Nokia Altiplano management platform.
As part of the Project Gigabit initiative, Freedom Fibre has secured a contract to provide reliable connectivity to underserved communities in Shropshire. Xantaro’s expertise is expected to bolster the smooth and swift rollout of these services while integrating assets from Freedom Fibre’s recent merger with VX UK, consolidating and future-proofing the network for large-scale deployment.
“We sought a partner that could provide an end-to-end solution, and Xantaro brings a wealth of experience to the table. Their agility, responsiveness, and strong ties with Nokia will help us accelerate our network rollout and support our ambition to become one of the top five altnets in the UK,” said David Hough, Network Operations Director at Freedom Fibre.
“We are pleased to help Freedom Fibre connect more people to high-quality internet services using our interconnect routers, high-capacity fibre access nodes, and a suite of network management and automation tools,” said Paul Alexander, Vice President and Country General Manager UK&I at Nokia.
“Xantaro is delighted to have been selected by Freedom Fibre for this project. We understand the company’s growth plans and are excited to scale their network with cutting-edge technology that will bring advanced connectivity to their customers,” said Stephen Kingdom, Chief Technology Officer of Fixed Networks at Xantaro.
