Openreach, the network access division of BT, has unveiled its comprehensive blueprint for the future regulation of the UK broadband industry. As the country transitions toward full-fiber connectivity, Openreach is calling for significant changes to the regulatory framework, urging Ofcom to level the playing field between broadband providers and maintain an environment conducive to investment.
This announcement comes ahead of Ofcom‘s highly anticipated Telecoms Access Review (TAR), which will redefine the UK broadband market’s rules from April 1, 2026, for the next five years.
At the heart of Openreach’s proposal is a call for increased fairness in infrastructure access. Openreach has long been required to open its pole and duct infrastructure to competitors, allowing them to piggyback on its vast network. Now, the company is pressing Ofcom to extend this obligation to other significant players like Virgin Media O2 (VMO2) and other infrastructure rivals, advocating that they offer access to their networks on the same terms and for the same price.
“This will drive upgrades and benefits for all, with the strongest outcomes allowing fair competition to play out on the merits between all network providers,” Openreach’s statement said. The company argues that its competitors should be subject to the same transparency and pricing structures that Openreach adheres to, noting that this would enhance the pace of network expansion and improve services for consumers.
Related: Ofcom Faces Urgent Calls to Extend Automatic Compensation to Businesses
A Pushback Against Additional Restrictions
While calling for more equitable infrastructure sharing, Openreach is also pushing back against demands from some parts of the industry where it faces more stringent regulations. Some rivals have lobbied for Ofcom to impose additional constraints on Openreach’s ability to compete, particularly as the company remains the dominant provider in the broadband market. Openreach counters these claims, warning that tighter regulations on its operations could have unintended consequences for the entire industry.
“Because it’s clear that would lead to higher prices, weaker competition and a dilution of choice for consumers and businesses. Growing competition presents the opportunity to roll back regulation in many areas,” Openreach argued. The company believes the current market dynamics present an opportunity to scale back regulation in some areas, particularly as competition intensifies.
Openreach emphasized that the fiber market is thriving, with many alternative network (alt-net) providers building infrastructure. “More than 150 companies are now using our ducts and poles to build competing networks, and we’ve made full fiber available to more than 15 million premises nationwide off our own back. We’re reaching a further one million properties every three months, and we’re on track with our ambition to reach 25 million by the end of 2026. Ofcom expects 96 percent of the UK could have access to full fiber by 2027, compared with just two percent in 2016,” concluded Openreach.
Read More: Ofcom Urges Online Platforms to Address Sensationalized Content Following UK Unrest
