IX Wireless Limited

IX Wireless, fibre infrastructure and fixed wireless internet in the north of England

IX Wireless Limited is a telecommunications infrastructure provider incorporated in late 2017. The company obtained code operator status in early 2018, which allowed it to drive the deployment of its high-speed network in the north of England and other areas. Its approach is based on replacing old copper cable networks with fibre optic cabling and air fibre technology, with the stated aim of building the UK's digital infrastructure for generations to come.

Fibre network and fixed wireless internet

The company combines fibre optic cables and wireless transmission to provide internet service. The fibre is laid overhead and the signal is transmitted wirelessly to a receiver installed on the property itself. According to the company, this fixed wireless network model avoids digging up or closing roads during builds, which reduces disruption to the community and allows smaller towns and traditionally hard-to-reach areas to be reached more quickly and at lower cost.

IX Wireless states that its roll-outs cost 90% less than traditional dig and cover operations. Its fibre ring technology allows broadband to be deployed to at least 25% of the towns in which it operates, according to information published by the company.

Presence in the north west of England

The IX Wireless network is live in towns and cities across the north west of England. The company puts the number of properties passed to receive its broadband at more than 250,000. Among the towns where it operates are Accrington, Blackburn with Darwen, Blackpool, Burnley, Fleetwood, Nelson and Thornton-Cleveleys. In 2023, detailed plans for seven networks in these towns were completed.

The Blackburn network launched in 2020 and passed more than 33,000 homes. In 2021 the company built five more networks in the north west of England and in the summer of 2022 it launched in Blackpool, with subsequent expansion to more towns. The launch of the gigabit network in the north west was officially celebrated in Blackburn, with Oliver Dowden CBE, then Secretary of State for Digital, who described the network as a game changer for the region.

Internet for everyone

The company maintains that internet access is a right and allocates 20% of its network coverage to free connections for people at risk of digital exclusion. Through its 'Internet for Everyone' campaign, it works with local organisations and councils that refer cases of people without a connection, and also offers free connection to essential service providers such as charities, schools and community groups. The stated aim is to facilitate access to online services such as healthcare, benefit support and education.

Contact and legal nature

IX Wireless Limited is a company incorporated in England and Wales with company number 11009144. Its registered office address is Ribble House, Ribble Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 5RB. The company handles media enquiries via pr@ixwireless.co.uk and has a general phone number, 01772 921 921, as well as a dedicated line for infrastructure-related emergencies, 01254 405766.

Ribble House, Ribble Business Park, Blackburn, BB1 5RB