Case Study

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Adapting to Strategic Realignment Across Europe

Across Europe, the sustainability agenda presses on while the landscape continues to evolve, shaped by the macro backdrop, regional priorities, and country-specific nuance across topics ranging from energy transition and security to technology adoption. Within this context, we engage with our European portfolio companies through a locally calibrated approach, supporting them in understanding shifting regulatory requirements and identifying value creation opportunities resonant with their respective place-based stakeholder expectations.

One company that exemplifies alignment of their business models with local infrastructure needs is Community Fibre in London. London is one of the world’s most connected cities, yet reliable, affordable broadband remains out of reach for a significant share of its residents. “Fibre to the Premises” (FTTP), a broadband connection delivered through fiber-optic cables installed directly from a network provider to a home or business, has penetration rates in the UK that are 46% lower than the Western European average.¹

Community Fibre (CFL), which exclusively operates an FTTP network, illustrates how a company can align its sustainability strategy with local social and regulatory priorities by expanding digital inclusion and improving broadband affordability across London. As the city’s largest 100% full-fiber broadband provider, the company builds and operates its own network, serving residential and business customers. Recognizing structural gaps in access—particularly among lower-income households, the elderly, and social housing residents—CFL runs targeted programs alongside its commercial offering. These include free 1Gbps at 700+ Community Spaces, a £12.50/month social tariff with no eligibility barriers, 80+ Digital Ambassadors running free skills sessions with 14 London Councils and Age UK, and free 12-month connections for Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) and Council Landlord referrals.

CFL’s approach aligns with the United Kingdom’s Digital Inclusion Action Plan, which prioritizes universal access to reliable connectivity and digital skills, as well as regulatory encouragement for discounted “social tariff” offerings to improve affordability for lower-income households.² Embedding these offerings within CFL’s commercial strategy demonstrates how sustainability can support growth. This approach has earned external recognition, with the company named 2025 ISPA Sustainability Champion and, for the second consecutive year, Winner of Best Community Engagement.

¹ Altman Solon as of 12/31/24.
² https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/digital-inclusion-action-plan-first-steps; https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/saving-money/social-tariffs. Accessed 07/07/2026.

*as of Q2 2026