Broadnet (Norway)

Broadnet (Norway). Broadnet is a Norwegian telecommunications operator specializing in fiber-optic broadband and related services. Founded in 2000, the company has grown to become a significant alternative to major national providers like Telenor and Telia. It operates primarily in the business-to-consumer market, delivering high-speed internet, digital television, and telephony services across several regions in Norway.

History

The company was established in 2000, initially focusing on providing broadband access in the Greater Oslo Region. Its early growth was fueled by the liberalization of the Norwegian telecommunications market and increasing demand for high-speed internet beyond the offerings of the incumbent Telenor. A significant expansion phase began in the late 2000s, with Broadnet acquiring several smaller regional network operators and internet service providers, such as assets from NextGenTel and parts of Canal Digital's customer base. This consolidation allowed Broadnet to extend its footprint beyond Oslo into areas like Rogaland, Viken, and Innlandet. The company's strategy has consistently involved investing in and deploying its own fiber-optic infrastructure, a move that accelerated following the Norwegian government's national broadband initiatives in the 2010s.

Services

Broadnet's core service portfolio centers on triple-play offerings delivered via its fiber network. Its primary product is high-speed broadband internet, with symmetrical speeds often reaching up to 1 Gbit/s, catering to the demands of modern households and supporting data-intensive applications like 4K streaming and cloud gaming. The company also provides an IPTV service, which includes a range of digital channels, video-on-demand content, and integration with popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Viaplay. Furthermore, Broadnet offers VoIP-based telephony services, often bundled with its internet and TV packages. For business customers, it provides dedicated internet access, Ethernet services, and cloud computing connectivity solutions, frequently in partnership with data center operators like Green Mountain and DigiPlex.

Network infrastructure

The company's operations are underpinned by an extensive, self-owned fiber-optic network that passes hundreds of thousands of homes and businesses. This network is built using GPON technology, which is a standard for passive optical networks allowing efficient high-bandwidth delivery. Broadnet's infrastructure includes several core backbone routes connecting major cities and is interconnected with other national and international carriers at internet exchange points such as OS-IX in Oslo. The company has also invested in next-generation network equipment from vendors like Huawei and Nokia Networks to support future upgrades, including potential 10G services and 5G backhaul. Network operations and customer support are managed from its primary technical center in Lysaker.

Corporate structure

Broadnet is a privately held company, owned by the Norwegian investment firm Ferd since a major acquisition in 2015. The Ferd ownership marked a new phase of financial stability and long-term investment in network expansion. Day-to-day operations are led by a management team headquartered at the company's offices in Skøyen, Oslo. The organizational structure is divided into commercial, operational, and technical divisions, with regional sales teams serving different parts of the country. While independent, Broadnet has engaged in strategic wholesale agreements, notably with the utility-backed network operator Altibox, to extend its service reach in certain areas without overbuilding infrastructure.

Competition and market position

Broadnet operates in a competitive market dominated by the historical operator Telenor and the Swedish-owned Telia Norge. It positions itself as a quality-focused alternative, competing on superior network technology and customer service rather than price alone. Key competitors in the fiber broadband segment include Altibox, which has a strong cooperative model with local power companies, and Get, now part of Telia. The company also faces competition from cable operators like Com Hem and emerging services from mobile network operators offering fixed wireless access. Despite this, Broadnet has maintained a stable market share, particularly in urban and suburban areas, and is recognized for its high customer satisfaction ratings in surveys conducted by the Norwegian Communications Authority.

Category:Telecommunications companies of Norway Category:Companies based in Oslo Category:Internet service providers of Norway