In an era where digital connectivity defines how we live, work, and play, few companies have revolutionized broadband in the UK quite like Hyperoptic. With a bold mission to bring full-fibre, lightning-fast internet to homes and businesses, Hyperoptic has carved out a unique legacy as an innovator, disruptor, and leader in the telecom industry.
This blog explores the remarkable journey of Hyperoptic — from its early foundations to its role today as a trailblazer in full-fibre broadband infrastructure.
Humble Beginnings: A Vision for Better Connectivity
Hyperoptic was founded in 2011 by Dana Tobak and Boris Ivanovic, both of whom had previously been involved with Be Broadband, another ISP known for its forward-thinking approach. Frustrated by the slow rollout of fibre networks and poor customer service in the broadband sector, they envisioned a company that could provide genuine full-fibre services with symmetrical speeds, no throttling, and transparent pricing.
At the time, most UK providers offered fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) solutions, which still relied on old copper wires for the “last mile” connection. This limited internet speeds and reliability, especially in densely populated urban areas.
The founders of Hyperoptic recognized the need for fibre-to-the-premises (FTTP) — a model that involved bringing fibre optic cables directly into homes and buildings. It was a bold and ambitious vision, and in 2011, the company began rolling out its services in London.
Milestone 1: First Gigabit Provider in the UK
In 2012, just a year after its founding, Hyperoptic became the first broadband provider in the UK to offer 1Gbps broadband speeds to residential customers. At a time when the average UK speed hovered below 20Mbps, this announcement made waves across the telecom sector.
The company’s early deployments focused on large residential buildings (multi-dwelling units, or MDUs), a strategic choice that allowed them to reach more customers faster and with greater efficiency.
Their direct-to-premises approach not only delivered superior performance but also laid the groundwork for their reputation as the gold standard of broadband.
Expansion and Accolades
Over the next few years, Hyperoptic expanded rapidly across major UK cities, including Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Glasgow, and Liverpool. Its services began appearing in new-build apartments, high-rises, and business parks — places that had long been underserved by traditional providers.
This expansion was fueled by a combination of:
- Aggressive infrastructure investment
- Strong customer support and positive word of mouth
- Government support for full-fibre rollouts
By 2015, Hyperoptic had won numerous awards, including “Best Superfast Broadband” and “Most Innovative Provider”, and had started to disrupt long-established ISPs like BT and Virgin Media.
Milestone 2: £100 Million Investment and New Ownership
In 2019, Hyperoptic reached another major milestone. The company secured a £100 million investment from a consortium led by KfW IPEX-Bank, BNP Paribas, and ING. This funding was aimed at accelerating network expansion to reach more than 2 million premises across the UK.
Later that year, Hyperoptic was acquired by KKR, a global investment firm, marking a new chapter in its growth. The acquisition brought additional resources and strategic expertise to scale operations and strengthen its market presence.
Despite the change in ownership, Hyperoptic retained its core mission: to deliver gigabit broadband that transforms everyday digital experiences.
Social Responsibility and Digital Inclusion
One of the defining traits of Hyperoptic has been its commitment to digital inclusion. Recognizing that high-speed broadband is no longer a luxury but a necessity, the company launched several initiatives to support underserved communities.
In 2021, Hyperoptic introduced the Fair Fibre Plan, a social tariff designed for low-income households. This plan offered reduced-cost broadband to individuals on Universal Credit and other government support schemes, ensuring access to quality internet for those who need it most.
The brand also partnered with local councils and housing associations to provide free broadband in community spaces, digital literacy programs, and discounted services in public housing.
Technological Superiority: Full-Fibre at Its Core
At the heart of Hyperoptic’s value proposition is its full-fibre network — a technology that provides significantly faster, more reliable service than traditional copper-based connections.
Unlike legacy ISPs that rely on outdated infrastructure, Hyperoptic builds its own end-to-end fibre network. This allows it to offer:
- Symmetrical download and upload speeds
- Gigabit connectivity
- No data caps or usage restrictions
- Low latency ideal for gaming and video conferencing
The result is a broadband experience that supports everything from 4K streaming and cloud computing to remote work and smart home automation — all with ease.
Where Hyperoptic Stands Today
As of 2025, Hyperoptic serves over 1.4 million homes and businesses across the UK. It remains one of the few ISPs offering true full-fibre connections, and continues to receive high marks for:
- Customer service
- Technical reliability
- Transparency in pricing
- Community engagement
Its broadband packages range from Fast (50Mbps) to Hyperfast (1Gbps), with the Superfast (150Mbps) tier being especially popular for everyday families and remote workers.
The company’s success has set a benchmark in the UK broadband market and influenced the broader national strategy for fibre deployment.
The Future of Hyperoptic
Looking ahead, Hyperoptic is focused on expanding its footprint, particularly in suburban and semi-rural areas, where full-fibre connectivity still lags behind.
It also aims to play a key role in smart city infrastructure, working alongside local governments to deliver gigabit speeds in urban redevelopment projects and tech-enabled housing schemes.
In a world where bandwidth is as vital as electricity or water, Hyperoptic continues to be a catalyst for change — proving that fast, fair, and future-ready broadband is not just possible, but essential.
Hyperoptic’s story is one of vision, innovation, and perseverance. What began as a challenge to the status quo has blossomed into a movement that redefines how we think about internet connectivity in the UK. With its customer-first ethos and relentless focus on quality, Hyperoptic is more than just a broadband provider — it’s a symbol of the digital age done right.
