Pioneering test with Lancashire-based Limitless Digital Group shows early demand for next-gen fibre speeds. ITS has become the first UK provider to successfully trial the delivery of dedicated internet access services over 50G-PON in both lab conditions and a live business customer environment, testing the cutting-edge technology this week.

The trial marks a significant leap for the UK’s fibre market, demonstrating how early adoption of next-generation passive optical network (PON) technology can meet real-time business demand for high-speed, scalable, and sustainable connectivity.

ITS’s network and operations teams worked closely with product and commercial colleagues and strategic partners to understand how 50G-PON can address emerging needs across the market.

Initial results highlight 50G-PON’s potential to significantly increase fibre performance while reducing cost and environmental impact compared to traditional point-to-point builds.

“While the industry roadmap points to 2026 or 2027 for commercial rollout, our view is simple: business customers are ready now. It is one of ITS’s strategic objectives to stay at the forefront of pioneering technology such as this,” said Mike Goodwin, Chief Technology Officer.

“We know from the recent ISPA conference, the conversation was about who survives and thrives. It comes down to great products, great service, and great value. 50G-PON ticks all those boxes – and more.”

During the trial the ITS team observed 50G-PON speeds of 41.8Gbps Downstream and 19.2 Gbps upstream. This was while using combi-optics to deliver GPON and XGS-PON services, allowing ITS to deliver 50G-PON leased line services over existing networks without disruption to service.

The trial comes just weeks after the latest Broadband Forum ‘Plugfest’, where 50G-PON and 25GS-PON technologies were tested for interoperability at a global level for the first time. ITS is building on that momentum by collaborating with vendors and standards bodies to accelerate real-world deployment across the UK.

The market demand for business grade symmetrical 10Gbps services is already well established in ITS’s base. Traditionally served via point-to-point fibre, 50G-PON now offers a more sustainable and efficient way to deploy high-capacity services using existing fibre infrastructure.

Key use cases include:

• 5G Deployment: With the increasing need for dense 5G coverage, 50G-PON can deliver the high-throughput fibre connectivity required to support small cell deployment – especially in mobile not-spot areas where localised fibre access can close the gap.
• Large multi-occupancy units and mixed-use developments: As vertical high streets and large-scale residential or mixed-use buildings become more common, 50G-PON supports their need for always-on, high-speed access – futureproofing digital cities with capacity for localised, high-bandwidth demand.
• 10Gb+ Business Services: Business customers requiring 10Gbps symmetrical and above can now be served more cost-effectively, with less fibre strain and faster deployment.
• Environmental Sustainability: 50G-PON coexists with XGS-PON and GPON on the same network, significantly boosting bandwidth without additional civil works. This enables UK fibre infrastructure to evolve without repeated, disruptive build cycles.

Mike continued: “Access networks are no longer built the way they used to be. Whether it’s local authorities planning infrastructure, developers designing for digital, or mobile operators needing backhaul for 5G, the network must scale with demand. Third-generation PON like this is how we deliver that.” The trial with Nelson-based Limitless Digital Group is the first of several planned tests across the UK. ITS is building a bank of scalable, real-world use cases to support the roll-out of 50G-PON and shape how next-gen networks are adopted by enterprise, public sector, infrastructure partners, and smart city developers.