Truespeed Communications and Freedom Fibre have signed an agreement to combine their businesses.
The firms said the deal creates a scaled, capital-efficient full fibre platform which will play a leading role in the ongoing consolidation of the UK alternative network 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.
It is the latest deal in the ‘altnet’ sector amid challenges around scaling as standalone businesses.
Founded in 2014, Truespeed, which has received £175 million of funding from Aviva Investors, merged with County Broadband in 2025, consolidating 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 LilaConnect, to create an integrated wholesale and multi-brand retail operation.
Freedom Fibre is backed by InfraBridge and Equitix, and was originally established as a wholesale-only FTTP platform, focused on delivering open-access fibre infrastructure.
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.
“This merger is a strategic step that demonstrates our commitment to ongoing industry consolidation and growth,” said Nathan Vautier, proposed CEO of the combined group and current CEO of Freedom Fibre.
“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 and current CEo of Truespeed, commented: “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”.
The merger is subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to be completed in Q2 2026.