en.Wedoany.com Reported - UK alternative network provider Airband has launched a formal sale process to find a suitable long-term owner for its hybrid full-fibre (FTTP) and fixed wireless (FWA) gigabit broadband network covering rural areas of England and North Wales. The company has recently emerged from a restructuring period that led to further job cuts and has shifted its focus from building new infrastructure to commercialising its existing broadband network.

Airband is backed by Aberdeen Group, which has invested over £200 million in the business. Following a recent strategic review of its operations and future ownership, the company decided to initiate the sale process. Sources confirmed the development to ISPreview after the sale news emerged. The company stated that the sale process does not affect day-to-day operations, the network remains fully operational, and customer service is unaffected.

Airband previously disclosed that its broadband network covers over 200 communities across seven counties, totalling more than 440,000 premises. Of these, 175,000 are connected via fibre and 265,000 via fixed wireless. The company also partners with Openreach to extend FTTP to non-network areas and currently serves a total of 30,000 customers.

An Airband spokesperson said that following the strategic review, the company has initiated a formal sale process to identify a suitable long-term owner, but declined to comment on potential buyers or outcomes during the process. ISPreview understands that Airband's recent restructuring concluded last week but is not directly linked to the sale. Industry challenges lie in finding a suitable consolidation partner, particularly in an environment where altnet consolidation is active and there are divergences in network valuations and debt levels.

Annual accounts for the year ending 2024 show Airband's revenue grew 37% to £6.667 million, while total employee numbers fell from 451 to 285. The company's operating loss widened to £47.23 million (compared to £37.06 million in 2023), with total assets of £179.81 million and total liabilities of -£224.92 million. Financial forecasts indicate the company expects to achieve positive EBITDA by 2028.