Catenaa, Tuesday, February 17, 2026-UK broadband providers Truespeed and Freedom Fibre have agreed to merge, creating a combined footprint of 412,000 premises ready for service and 70,000 customers across England.
The merged entity will operate across the North-West, West Midlands, South-West and East of England. The deal follows earlier consolidation moves by both firms, as alternative network providers face mounting financial pressure.
Truespeed merged with County Broadband in 2025, integrating its South-West and East of England operations.
Freedom Fibre previously combined with VX UK in 2024 and LilaConnect, strengthening its presence in the North-West.
The companies said the new group will blend Truespeed’s retail operations and regional density with Freedom Fibre’s wholesale fibre platform.
The investors backing both businesses, including Aviva Investors, InfraBridge and Equitix, are supporting the transaction.
The companies said the merger aims to expand customer numbers, improve service quality and move toward profitability through scale efficiencies.
Industry consolidation has accelerated as smaller fibre operators struggle with widening losses, rising interest costs and pressure on average revenue per user. Analysts have pointed to mounting debt burdens and operating expenses across the sector.
The combined company said it intends to pursue further mergers and acquisitions as it builds a larger platform in the competitive full-fibre market.
