Belgian cable operator VOO has announced a new phase in the deployment of its gigabit-capable fixed broadband network, extending availability of ‘Gigaboost’ packages to 22 extra-urban communes in the Wallonia region. Following an initial launch in Liege, Charleroi and Wavre last year, the company announced on Monday that its 1Gbps connections will soon be available in Anthisnes, Aywaille, Beauvechain, Berloz, Braives, Burdinne, Comblain-au-pont, Donceel, Engis, Esneux, Faimes, Geer, Heron, Incourt, Jalhay, Marchin, Modave, Nandrin, Sprimont, Stavelot, Verlaine and Villers-le-Bouillet. Customers in a total of 39 communes can now access the service.
As previously reported by TeleGeography’s CommsUpdate, VOO revealed plans last month to increase the footprint of its gigabit network to cover the entire Brussels region and half of households in Wallonia by the end of 2023. The company has earmarked investment of EUR300 million (USD327 million) over a six-year period for its ongoing network upgrade, including EUR180 million in 2021-2022.
VOO’s HFC network currently passes 99% of homes and businesses in Wallonia and 34% in the Brussels region. Following a protracted sales process, Orange Belgium entered a final agreement with VOO’s parent company, publicly owned utility group Nethys, in late December 2021 to acquire 75% less one share of VOO, based on an enterprise value of EUR1.8 billion for 100% of the capital, with the aim to bolster its convergent strategy at a national level.