Telecom Acquisitions Group (TAL), a Horsham-based holding company for several UK broadband ISP brands, has acquired the CityFibre linked residential customer base of ISP Gigabit Networks. This move impacts approximately 2,000 customers and aligns with Gigabit Networks’ shift toward prioritising their wholesale business. TAL’s acquisition further expands their customer base, maintaining their ongoing strategic partnership with TalkTalk. Both TAL and Gigabit Networks have confirmed that all prices and terms will remain the same for existing customers.
- The Horsham-based Telecom Acquisitions Group (TAL) has acquired the residential customer base of ISP Gigabit Networks, adding around 2,000 customers to their expanding base.
- Gigabit Networks decided to focus solely on their B2B offering, leading to the sale of their residential customer base to TAL.
- TAL has confirmed that former residential customers of Gigabit Networks will experience no changes in prices or terms and conditions, and both companies will work on enhancing residential services.
TAL Group Acquires Gigabit Networks’ Residential Customer Base
The Telecom Acquisitions Group (TAL), a Horsham-based holding company for numerous UK residential broadband ISP brands, has today announced that it has acquired the residential customer base of ISP Gigabit Networks, which is linked to CityFibre (FTTP). This move sees TAL acquire an additional 2,000 customers.
This acquisition comes as Gigabit Networks has chosen to concentrate on its wholesale business operations. As a result, it has opened the door for the sale of its residential customer base on CityFibre’s national full fibre broadband network.
A Growing Empire for TAL
It’s worth noting that TalkTalk has a “strategic partnership” with TAL, holding a controlling stake in the business. The TAL Group, currently boasting over 100,000 broadband customers and a turnover of £40m, continues to be in discussions with alternative networks and ISPs for further expansion in 2024.
CEO Statements
Nigel Barnett, CEO of TAL, expressed his views on the acquisition:
“Gigabit Networks is a highly successful ISP in the B2B arena. Over the last few years, CEO David Yates and his team have built a reasonably sized residential base but have now made a strategic decision to put all their focus into their B2B offering… It seems so simple to add customers, but it’s become very competitive and expensive.”
David Yates, CEO of Gigabit Networks, echoed Barnett’s sentiments, highlighting the rationale behind the decision:
“The consumer business has become secondary to our channel and wholesale ISP offering, so seeing what Nigel has done with TAL over the last four years means it makes great sense to partner with him on the residential base.”
Customer Impact
TAL has confirmed that, based on the agreement, all prices and terms and conditions will stay the same for the former residential customers of Gigabit Networks. In addition, TAL and Gigabit Networks will collaborate on a residential offering that “enhances services” provided by BT, TalkTalk, Sky Broadband, Vodafone, Virgin Media and other altnets.
Final Thoughts
This acquisition underlines the dynamic nature of the ISP industry, as companies continuously seek strategic partnerships to strengthen their positions in the marketplace. For TAL, this move represents another step in its expansion journey, while for Gigabit Networks it signifies a strategic shift towards a wholesale-focused approach. It will be interesting to see how this realignment impacts both companies in the long run. As always, the ultimate winners should be the customers who stand to benefit from enhanced services and, potentially, more competitive offerings.
FAQ
Q: Who acquired the CityFibre linked residential customer base of ISP Gigabit Networks?
A: The Horsham-based Telecom Acquisitions Group (TAL) acquired the CityFibre linked residential customer base of ISP Gigabit Networks.
Q: How many customers will be impacted by this acquisition?
A: Some 2,000 customers will be impacted by the change.
Q: What is the current status of TAL Group in terms of customer base and turnover?
A: The TAL Group is home to over 100,000 broadband customers and has returned a turnover of £40m.
Q: Will there be any changes in prices and terms for former residential customers of Gigabit Networks?
A: TAL has confirmed that all prices and terms and conditions will remain the same for former residential customers of Gigabit Networks.
Q: Which other ISPs and alternative networks will be part of the residential offering by TAL and Gigabit Networks?
A: The residential offering will include services provided by BT, TalkTalk, Sky Broadband, Vodafone, Virgin Media and other altnets, all from one postcode checker.
