Bigblu Broadband

About Bigblu Broadband

Bigblu Broadband Plc (BBB) operates as a specialized provider of alternative broadband solutions, targeting homes and businesses in regions with inadequate or non-existent fibre connectivity. Founded in November 2008 as Satellite Solutions Worldwide by Andrew Walwyn, Simon Clifton, Selwyn Petterson, and Tom Wheeler, the company embarked on a mission to bridge the digital divide. Andrew Walwyn, a serial entrepreneur with a background in the telecom and technology sectors, including roles at Carphone Warehouse and Tiny Computers, leveraged his experience to address the market for 'not-spots'—areas beyond the reach of terrestrial broadband. The company initially focused on satellite broadband, signing its first distribution agreement in 2009 for Eutelsat's services and pioneering a full e-commerce offering for satellite broadband in Europe.

BBB's growth has been fueled by a combination of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. A significant milestone was its listing on the London Stock Exchange's AIM market in May 2015, by which time it had amassed 10,000 customers. This 'buy and build' strategy led to a substantial increase in its customer base and geographic footprint. The business model is technology-agnostic, employing a mix of satellite, ultra-fast fixed wireless, and 4G/5G technologies to deliver super-fast internet. Revenue is generated from the sale of airtime, data, hardware, and installation services. Its diverse clientele includes residential homes, multinational corporations, military, and government bodies.

The company's service portfolio is designed to be versatile. Satellite broadband offers connectivity by harnessing capacity from partners like Eutelsat and NBN SkyMuster, providing service where terrestrial infrastructure is absent. For communities near fibre networks, its fixed wireless solutions extend the network's reach via radio technology, offering high speeds and low latency. Additionally, its 4G/5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) utilizes a small receiver to connect users to mobile networks, serving as either a primary or backup connection. In recent years, BBB has undergone significant strategic restructuring to maximize shareholder value. This included the sale of its UK and European satellite operations to Eutelsat in 2020. Subsequently, the company divested its UK fixed wireless subsidiary, Quickline, in 2021, its Norwegian operations in May 2024, and its Australian subsidiary, SkyMesh, in late 2024. Following these disposals, Bigblu Broadband is now primarily focused on its interests in Australasia and its minority stake in Quickline.