AllPoints adds CityFibre multi-gig services to aquila

AllPoints Fibre Networks has added multi-gigabit full-fibre broadband options to its aquila wholesale platform through a partnership with CityFibre.

The new products give internet service providers and managed service providers access to 1.7Gbps and 2.3Gbps fibre-to-the-premises services. Partners can order them through aquila alongside other fibre and Ethernet products.

CityFibre built the underlying access network using XGS-PON, a 10Gb-class passive optical network technology. The companies say the move helps channel partners offer faster tiers than traditional gigabit services.

Wholesale access

Partners can consume CityFibre's multi-gig services directly through aquila, without extra integration work or operational changes.

Aquila provides a single route into multiple access networks, bringing ordering and service management into one place. APFN positions this as a way to reduce the effort of working with multiple wholesalers and network operators.

The multi-gig addition is the second major platform update APFN has highlighted in recent weeks. It has also started offering Ethernet products through Sky Business Wholesale via aquila.

Network footprint

CityFibre's full-fibre network passes more than 4.7 million premises, and it plans to reach more than 8 million across consumer, business, mobile and public sector sites.

Multi-gig broadband remains a niche tier in the UK mass market, with many retail packages still at or below 1Gbps. Demand is growing among small businesses using more cloud services, content creation and larger data transfers, and among households running multiple high-bandwidth services at once.

Wholesale availability matters because many smaller ISPs and service resellers do not build their own access infrastructure. Instead, they buy access from network operators and package it with routing, support, security services and other add-ons.

APFN and CityFibre say multi-gig tiers help partners differentiate as gigabit connectivity becomes more common. They also argue the higher speeds can support use cases that previously pushed buyers towards dedicated Ethernet connections.

XGS-PON has become a key technology choice for operators seeking higher speeds on fibre access networks. It supports symmetrical services, meaning upload and download rates can be closer than on older broadband technologies. Actual performance varies by provider configuration and customer premises equipment.

Partner positioning

Nisreen El-Kaloush, chief commercial officer at AllPoints Fibre Networks, linked the update to rising bandwidth requirements and a focus on operational simplicity for channel partners.

"Choice and performance are becoming critical for service providers as the demand for higher bandwidth grows. Our latest release, built on our partnership with CityFibre, gives aquila partners instant access to Multi-Gig FTTP speeds with no additional integrations or operational overhead. It's exactly what aquila is designed to do, bringing together the best networks in the market and making them simple to consume. Partners get more choice, faster speeds and a clear way to grow their services without adding complexity to their operations."

CityFibre says the arrangement extends its reach into the channel via a platform that aggregates wholesale products and processes, as it seeks to grow its base of retail partners and increase utilisation of its fibre footprint.

"CityFibre's 10Gb XGS-PON full fibre network gives our partners the ability to deliver gigabit capable speeds, with market-leading service performance. Our digital infrastructure is unlocking growth and innovation for small and medium sized business and, by partnering with APFN, we're bringing more choice and value to partners and businesses across the UK," said George Wareing.

APFN's product team describes the change as part of a broader set of network reach and proposition updates delivered through the CityFibre relationship.

"The addition of multi-gig services into aquila is yet another proposition enhancement we've launched this year through our work with CityFibre. We've recently opened up access to 80,000 more premises across Hull and East Riding that previously weren't reachable through the platform, and we're doing it in a way that means those new opportunities are super simple to sell, manage and support. It's not just the rapidly expanding footprint and faster speeds; it's the type of connectivity now available to Partners and their target market. Partners can deliver true business-grade services to companies that rely on resilient, high-capacity connectivity, while also reaching residential based business users and indeed consumers wanting multi-gig speeds in the home," said Sonia Hanson.

Multi-gig FTTP services are available to order via aquila, and APFN indicated that higher-speed tiers could be added over time.