Truespeed and Freedom Fibre Agree Merger to Form Scaled Full-Fibre Platform

Truespeed Communications and Freedom Fibre have entered into an agreement to combine their operations, creating a larger and more capital-efficient full-fibre business.

The newly formed group is expected to play a significant role in the continued consolidation of the UK’s alternative network (altnet) market.

The merger unites two complementary and largely unlevered businesses, bringing together a footprint of approximately 412,000 premises ready for service and a combined customer base of 70,000. The enlarged network will span key regions including the North-West, West Midlands, South-West and East of England.

Both companies have extensive experience in executing and integrating multi-site acquisitions. Truespeed strengthened its position in 2025 through a merger with County Broadband, successfully integrating networks across the South-West and East of England into a unified operation. Freedom Fibre, headquartered in the North-West, previously merged with VX UK in 2024, adding infrastructure in the West Midlands, South-West and East of England, along with ISP LilaConnect, to establish an integrated wholesale and multi-brand retail platform.

With their regional networks now aligned, the combined organisation expects to benefit from greater scale, operational efficiencies and a faster path to profitability. Founded in 2014 and backed by Aviva Investors, Truespeed has built a strong regional presence with high customer penetration and strong satisfaction levels. Freedom Fibre, supported by InfraBridge and Equitix, began as a wholesale-focused FTTP provider delivering open-access fibre infrastructure. The merger blends Truespeed’s established retail brand and customer acquisition capabilities with Freedom Fibre’s wholesale expertise and expanding retail operations, forming a balanced and scalable model.

Long-term investors Aviva Investors, InfraBridge and Equitix are supporting the transaction. Together with the leadership team, they aim to grow the customer base, strengthen service delivery and drive sustainable, capital-efficient expansion.

Nathan Vautier, who is set to become CEO of the combined business upon completion, described the deal as a strategic milestone that reflects a clear commitment to further industry consolidation and growth. He said the enlarged platform would be well positioned to pursue additional M&A opportunities and help shape the future direction of the sector.

Nelson Missier, proposed Chief Strategy & Commercial Officer, said the merger represents a natural progression for both companies. By aligning complementary strengths and operational capabilities, he said the group will be better equipped to accelerate commercial growth, improve profitability and expand its presence across the market while delivering high-quality connectivity to both wholesale and retail customers.

Ian Shervell, Senior Director, Infrastructure Equity at Aviva Investors, said the combined business brings together experienced teams, strong brand recognition, high penetration levels and a scalable wholesale model — all of which position it well to benefit from evolving trends in the UK telecoms market.

James Burke, Managing Director and Co-Head at InfraBridge, described the merger as a logical development, highlighting the complementary network footprints and go-to-market approaches that will create a broader geographic reach and a more balanced service offering.

The transaction remains subject to customary regulatory approvals and is expected to complete in the second quarter of 2026.