Bigblu Broadband
Bigblu Broadband PLC is a UK holding company that historically delivered alternative broadband (satellite and fixed wireless) to rural consumers, businesses, and governments; now in managed wind-down following multiple disposals (Eutelsat, Northleaf, SKM) and re-registered as private.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersBicester, United Kingdom
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2B and B2C
- OfferingServices
What Bigblu Broadband does
Bigblu Broadband PLC is a UK-registered (formerly AIM-listed, now private following November 2025 cancellation) holding company that historically operated as one of the world's largest multi-territory alternative broadband providers, connecting consumers, businesses, and governments in rural and underserved areas to superfast broadband via a multi-technology portfolio spanning GEO and LEO satellite, fixed wireless (4G/5G FWA, mmWave), and fibre-backed wireless networks. The company's technology stack blended satellite capacity with radio-based last-mile delivery to reach the 5–10% of premises outside the traditional fibre footprint, with speeds ranging from 30 Mbps to 500 Mbps for consumers and up to 1 Gbps for businesses, supported by SLA-backed service, unlimited data allowances, and full lifecycle service (hardware, installation, billing, support).
Revenue historically derived from monthly recurring subscriptions on satellite and fixed wireless packages, government infrastructure grants (BDUK Superfast Broadband Programme and local authority contracts recognised as deferred capital grants over four years), and authorised resale of SpaceX Starlink Business products. The group pursued an active buy-and-build strategy from its 2015 IPO, accumulating brands including SkyMesh (Australia), Quickline (UK), Brdy (Nordic), Europasat, Avonline, and ToowayDirect. Since 2020 the company has executed a deliberate sequence of divestitures — disposing of UK and European satellite operations to Eutelsat for £39.3m, the Quickline stake to Northleaf Capital Partners, the Norwegian Brdy Group via management buyout (May 2024), and the controlling interest in SkyMesh to SKM Telecommunication (December 2024). Following the November 2025 AIM cancellation, Bigblu operates as a residual holding entity focused on value realisation from retained minority stakes in SKM Telecommunication and Quickline, with an ongoing dispute over up to AUD 6.9m of additional consideration owed by SKM.
Bigblu Broadband firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Bigblu Broadband
- Legal name
- Bigblu Broadband PLC
- Website
- https://bbb-plc.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Bigblu Broadband PLC is a UK holding company that historically delivered alternative broadband (satellite and fixed wireless) to rural consumers, businesses, and governments; now in managed wind-down following multiple disposals (Eutelsat, Northleaf, SKM) and re-registered as private.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Bigblu Broadband industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Alternative Broadband Services
- NAICS
- Satellite Telecommunications (5174), Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite) (517112), Telecommunications Resellers (517121)
- SIC
- Radiotelephone Communications (4812), Telephone Communications (No Radiotelephone) (4813)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Satellite Broadband Internet Access (Consumer/SMB) (HDAIAJAA)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Broadband Providers (HDAIABAE), Rural & Universal Service Fixed Broadband Providers (HDAIABAJ), Wireless ISPs (WISPs) & Fixed Wireless Access Providers (HDAIADAD)
Keywords
Where Bigblu Broadband is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Bicester
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
Bigblu Broadband business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B and B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Supply Chain
Revenue model
- Satellite Broadband Services: Monthly subscription services providing satellite broadband connectivity to consumers and businesses in rural areas. Revenue generated from recurring monthly fees with equipment loaned during contract period. Activation fees and installation charges apply.
- Fixed Wireless Broadband Services: Subscription-based fixed wireless broadband services delivered via radio technology. Services include unlimited data allowances and high-speed connectivity for rural communities.
- Starlink Business Reseller: Revenue from reselling SpaceX's Starlink for Business products as an authorised reseller. Includes hardware supply and service activation fees.
- Government Tenders and Grants: Quickline and subsidiaries secure government subsidies through BDUK Superfast Broadband Programme and local authority contracts. Subsidies are deferred as capital grants and recognised as other income over a four-year period, boosting reported revenue and EBITDA.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Subscription | Monthly | Satellite broadband packages with varying speeds and unlimited data |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels3 records
Marketing channels4 records
Bigblu Broadband product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Bigblu Broadband delivers superfast broadband connectivity to consumers, businesses and governments located in rural and underserved areas outside the traditional fibre footprint, using a portfolio of satellite (GEO and LEO) and fixed wireless (4G/5G FWA, mmWave) technologies. The company focuses on the last 5-10% of premises that are unserved or underserved by traditional broadband providers, offering speeds from 30 Mbps to 500 Mbps for consumers and up to 1 Gbps for businesses, supported by hardware supply, installation, billing and ongoing customer service.
Product overview
Bigblu Broadband is a multi-territory alternative broadband service provider delivering super-fast broadband to consumers, businesses, and governments via satellite, fixed wireless, and 5G technologies. The portfolio includes Satellite Broadband for areas with poor terrestrial infrastructure, Fast Fixed Wireless delivering 75+ Mbps with unlimited data, and Fixed Wireless Access 5G using 4G/5G networks. The company operates through subsidiary brands Skymesh (Australia) and Quickline (UK fixed wireless), and is an authorized reseller of SpaceX Starlink Business. Services include hardware supply, installation, pre- and post-sale support, billing, and collections. Speeds range from 30 Mbps to 500 Mbps for consumers and up to 1 Gbps for businesses. The company disposed of its UK and European satellite operations to Eutelsat in 2020 and its Norwegian operations in 2024, focusing on Australian operations and retained stakes in UK fixed wireless.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Satellite Broadband: Satellite broadband service delivering superfast speeds to homes and businesses with no fibre coverage, using a hybrid of satellite and fixed wireless where best suited to the market.
- Fast Fixed Wireless
- Fixed Wireless Access 5G
Products and services
- Satellite Broadband Satellite broadband service delivering superfast internet to homes and businesses in rural areas where terrestrial fibre infrastructure is unavailable or uneconomical. Uses GEO and LEO satellite constellations (including partnerships with Eutelsat and SpaceX Starlink) with virtually unlimited capacity in space. Can be blended with fixed wireless for hybrid coverage in exceptionally remote areas.
- Fast Fixed Wireless Radio-based fixed wireless broadband delivering ultra-fast speeds of 75+ Mbps with unlimited data allowances and very low latency. Uses a mixture of licensed and unlicensed radio spectrum and various technology platforms, ideal for communities close to but not directly reached by a fibre connection.
- Fixed Wireless Access 5G (FWA 5G) 5G-based fixed wireless access using a small receiver attached to the inside of a window connected to a wireless modem, distributing Wi-Fi throughout a property via 4G or 5G networks. Ideal as a primary connection for domestic and business use, or as business failover.
- Starlink Business Reseller Service Authorised reseller of SpaceX's Starlink Business service, offering over double the antenna capability of residential services, global coverage, and Land Mobility and Maritime options for businesses requiring seamless connectivity in remote locations. Includes hardware supply and service activation.
Quantifiable outcome
- Delivers 30-500 Mbps broadband speeds for consumers and up to 1 Gbps for businesses in areas without fibre access
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Bigblu Broadband
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
Bigblu Broadband technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Bigblu Broadband partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Four partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.
- SKM Telecommunication (SKM)minorBigblu retains shareholding in SKM Telecommunication (owner of Skymesh) following disposal of controlling interest in December 2024. Currently in dispute regarding Additional Consideration of up to AUD$6.9m.
- SpaceX (Starlink)coreBigblu secured Authorised Reseller status for SpaceX's Starlink for Business, gaining ability to offer Starlink Business products with over double the antenna capability of residential services. Provides global coverage and high-speed connectivity for B2B customers.
- KacificminorPartnership with Kacific to enter the New Zealand broadband market, targeting 3,500 satellite broadband customers with break-even expected in around 20 months.
- EutelsatmajorEutelsat acquired Bigblu's UK and European satellite broadband operations in September 2020 for aggregate consideration of £39.3 million (with additional consideration up to £1.5 million). The transaction validated the company's buy-and-build strategy and provided significant returns on investment.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves13 records
Expansion highlights5 records
Bigblu Broadband competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Viasat: Viasat is a leading global satellite broadband provider serving residential, business and mobility customers. It directly competes with Bigblu's historical and resold satellite broadband offering, particularly in rural and remote markets where terrestrial broadband is constrained.
- Quickline Communications: Quickline is Bigblu's former UK fixed wireless broadband subsidiary (now majority-owned by Northleaf Capital Partners). It operates fibre-backed FWA in rural Northern England targeting BDUK and local authority contracts — directly comparable in technology and customer profile.
- Hughes Network Systems: Hughes is a major satellite broadband equipment and services provider (HughesNet) serving consumers and SMBs in rural and underserved regions. Its consumer satellite broadband distribution model closely matches Bigblu's target use case and customer profile.
- Kacific Broadband Satellites: Kacific is Bigblu's partner for New Zealand satellite broadband (announced February 2021, targeting 3,500 customers). It operates a similar satellite broadband distribution model serving rural/remote communities across Asia-Pacific.
- SkyMesh: SkyMesh was Bigblu's wholly-owned Australian satellite broadband subsidiary (sold to SKM Telecommunication in December 2024) serving NBN-served premises via satellite. It shares Bigblu's core product, customer segment and reseller-style operating model.
Broad incumbents
- Eutelsat: Eutelsat acquired Bigblu's UK and European satellite broadband operations in September 2020 for £39.3m. As a major GEO satellite operator with consumer broadband brands (Konnect/Tooway), Eutelsat is the most direct incumbent comparator in the European satellite broadband market Bigblu historically served.
- Inmarsat (Viasat group): Inmarsat provides global satellite communications for maritime, aviation, enterprise and government customers, with broadband and mobility offerings comparable to Starlink Business — the product line Bigblu resells. Comparable in remote/mobile use cases.
- Iridium Communications: Iridium is a global L-band satellite communications provider with broadband and IoT/mobility offerings comparable to Starlink Business / Bigblu's Starlink resale portfolio. Comparable in remote/mobile connectivity categories though with narrower consumer footprint.
- SpaceX Starlink: Starlink is Bigblu's primary wholesale supplier and the dominant LEO satellite broadband provider globally. As both supplier and indirect competitor (selling direct to consumer and enterprise), Starlink's commercial decisions directly shape Bigblu's active operating economics and growth ceiling.
Regional players
- B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North): B4RN is a UK community-led rural FTTH/FWA altnet serving rural Northern England — overlapping with Quickline's geography and BDUK-style grant-supported build model. It is a regional competitor for the same UK rural subsidy tenders.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks7 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Bigblu Broadband social profiles
Digital presenceBigblu Broadband compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance1 record
Bigblu Broadband financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Bigblu Broadband leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles10 records
Bigblu Broadband subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries4 records
Bigblu Broadband funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors1 record
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Bigblu Broadband M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A12 records
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Bigblu Broadband
What does Bigblu Broadband do?
Bigblu Broadband delivers superfast broadband connectivity to consumers, businesses and governments located in rural and underserved areas outside the traditional fibre footprint, using a portfolio of satellite (GEO and LEO) and fixed wireless (4G/5G FWA, mmWave) technologies. The company focuses on the last 5-10% of premises that are unserved or underserved by traditional broadband providers, offering speeds from 30 Mbps to 500 Mbps for consumers and up to 1 Gbps for businesses, supported by hardware supply, installation, billing and ongoing customer service.
Is Bigblu Broadband a public or private company?
Bigblu Broadband is a private company. It is classified as public and is currently operating.
When was Bigblu Broadband founded?
Bigblu Broadband was founded in 2008. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Bigblu Broadband based?
Bigblu Broadband is headquartered in Bicester, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does Bigblu Broadband make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Satellite Broadband Services are the primary driver. The others are fixed Wireless Broadband Services, starlink Business Reseller and government Tenders and Grants.
Who are Bigblu Broadband's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Viasat, Quickline Communications, Hughes Network Systems, Kacific Broadband Satellites and SkyMesh. Broad incumbents are Eutelsat, Inmarsat (Viasat group), Iridium Communications and SpaceX Starlink. B4RN (Broadband for the Rural North) is listed as a regional player.
Does Bigblu Broadband have an API?
No public API is recorded for Bigblu Broadband.
What industry is Bigblu Broadband in?
Bigblu Broadband's product category is Alternative Broadband Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is HDAIAJAA, Satellite Broadband Internet Access (Consumer/SMB), with a secondary code of HDAIABAE, Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) Broadband Providers. Its NAICS code is 5174 and its SIC code is 4812.