Hi, I’m Jenny Lennon, a Managing Director at Hyperfast Networks, which is a part of the Fibrus Group. Over the last two decades, I’ve delivered connectivity infrastructure projects at BT and Openreach NI, working at the forefront of Northern Ireland’s digital evolution.
At Hyperfast Networks, I’m responsible for the operation and maintenance of our growing network in Northern Ireland and the UK, including developing our wholesale proposition and managing the delivery of our government-funded projects. We aim to bring full-fibre broadband to underserved homes and businesses.
Reliable connectivity can be transformative: an independent report by Grant Thornton completed in May 2025, and shows that in just five years, Fibrus’ work has contributed £431 million to Northern Ireland’s economy, with a further £50.6 million in annual productivity gains expected as the impact continues to grow — and this past year, our customers have increased by 43 per cent.
Despite this, many rural communities still lack access, and so, we’re working hard to change that. Yet expanding our network requires more than just laying cables; we want to provide communities with the digital tools they need to thrive in today’s economy. With Northern Ireland now reaching 94% connectivity, I’m proud of how far we’ve come, but there’s plenty more progress to be made. We hope to reach 500,000 premises across Northern Ireland and Cumbria within the next few years.
What do you enjoy most about working in this space?
Opening doors and giving people the connectivity they need to thrive in a digital world. Everyone deserves access to reliable broadband, yet many rural communities have been left behind.
What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in the name of work?
I haven’t really done anything outrageous - I try to stay thoughtful about my decisions, even when things get chaotic.
Where do you see telecoms heading?
We’ve seen a shake-up in the telco world over the last five years. Alt-net providers are challenging the big players and injecting some much-needed competition into the market. That disruption has been a catalyst – pushing gigabit-capable broadband further and faster across the UK, allowing fibre to reach the communities that need it most.
Looking ahead, we’re moving into a new phase focused on smarter networks, better value, and a more connected society. As the market continues to open up and competition intensifies, the focus will shift to innovation — both in the networks themselves and in the services that providers deliver. I see AI playing a major role here.
What would you like people to know about your work?
It’s easy to take broadband access for granted, but full fibre connectivity is as essential to daily life as running water; this only becomes clear when your power goes out and you’re suddenly offline.
Why is a vibrant, flourishing telecoms ecosystem important for the UK?
Connectivity is the backbone of modern life, powering businesses, supporting public services, sparking creativity, and fueling economic growth. A strong, competitive telecoms sector does more than connect people; it unlocks opportunity, drives innovation, and helps bridge the gap between urban and rural life.
On a local level, we see and hear the benefits of full fibre connections every day from our customers. Whether it has enabled families to stay in touch or allowed someone to buy their dream rural home and work from home, the impact of a future-proofed telecoms network is clear to see.
