Business connectivity product launches to prepare UK businesses for 2027 copper switch off

We have strengthened our Direct Business offering, giving organisations across the UK more choice and greater coverage when it comes to the connectivity solutions available to them.

A 2024 Zen survey* revealed that 44 per cent of businesses didn’t yet have a solution in place ahead of the switch off and that 30 per cent were still using ISDN despite the upcoming withdrawal of services highlighting a clear readiness gap.

To help address this, the launches include CityFibre’s Ethernet and FTTP Business products as well as BT’s SoTAP (Single Order Temporary Access Product), a future-proof, all-IP solution for businesses still on ADSL that are not yet in full fibre or FTTC footprints.

Flex and DIA Ethernet services

The two new CityFibre Ethernet services, Ethernet 1000 Flex (offering 200 Mbps committed speeds with burst capacity up to 1 Gbps) and 1 Gbps DIA Ethernet (a dedicated, uncontended Direct Internet Access service), can be quoted by calling our team directly.

The launch enhances our already broad Ethernet portfolio, giving UK businesses access to a significantly larger and more commercially competitive footprint at a time when many UK businesses are looking to upgrade legacy connections as they prepare for the move away from copper.

Business FTTP

The expansion of our Business FTTP offering also builds on the success of Zen and CityFibre’s long-standing partnership and comes as demand for business-grade fibre connectivity accelerates across the UK. CityFibre’s enterprise-grade Ethernet and FTTP services are now available to more than 260,000 UK businesses through Zen.

Andy Wilson, Head of Wholesale, CityFibre, said:
“We’re delighted to be launching our Business Ethernet and FTTP offerings with Zen. This expansion strengthens our shared commitment to delivering choice and value to businesses across the UK. We look forward to supporting Zen to enter new markets and drive growth in 2026.”

Jon Nowell, our Managing Director, Zen Business, added:
“Zen Business is building the UK’s most extensive full fibre and leased line network for business. The addition of Full Fibre and Ethernet from CityFibre marks a major step forward in delivering faster speeds and greater value to organisations across the country.

“We’re also pleased to unveil BT SoTAP. With the PSTN switch-off fast approaching and ADSL services retiring, we remain committed to helping businesses upgrade to full fibre. In areas where this isn’t yet possible, SoTAP delivers essential continuity as legacy options disappear.”

CityFibre’s Ethernet Flex is a cost-effective bridge product between SoGEA and full Ethernet, great for customers who need more bandwidth but aren’t ready to invest in a full dedicated leased line. For businesses who need guaranteed, uncontended bandwidth, CityFibre’s 1 Gbps DIA is a powerful, competitively priced alternative to the usual carriers.

Zen's SoTAP offering is available in two tiers: Business Essentials for fundamental connectivity, and Business Pro featuring integrated 4G backup. It includes no mid-contract price rises, and when FTTP becomes available, Zen provides an upgrade without any early termination charges.

Available speeds on the new CityFibre FTTP for Business products via Zen include 100, 300, 500, 900, 1.8, and 2.5 Gbps.

These additions give UK businesses a broader, more resilient set of options as they move away from copper services. With the switch off approaching, Zen is focused on making the transition to full fibre and all-IP connectivity as simple and reliable as possible.

For more information about our connectivity product: https://business.zen.co.uk/internet-access.

*The data was derived from a survey conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 1004 CEOs in large businesses (250+ employees), 403 decision makers in large businesses (250+ employees) and 500 IT decision makers in SMEs. A large business is considered one with 250+ employees and an SME is considered as having between one and 249 employees. The data was collected between 15.08.204 and 27.08.2024. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.