Openreach is the only operator with a large-scale rural broadband network AlamyThe telecoms regulator has vowed to “supercharge” investment in faster broadband by encouraging competition with BT’s Openreach division. This morning Ofcom issued a consultation for regulating Openreach, BT’s dominant broadband infrastructure division, over the five years from April next year. The plans come at an important time for the building of faster, more reliable full-fibre broadband networks. The upgrade of Britain’s broadband network from its slower patchy copper network became one of the high-profile battlegrounds of the general election, with Labour pledging to nationalise Openreach and provide “free” full-fibre connections. BT is under political and regulatory pressure to accelerate the building of full-fibre networks.

Source: The Times January 08, 2020 09:00 UTC