Ofcom Proposes Five-Year Plan to Bolster UK Broadband Competition

The regulator aims to maintain rules for BT’s Openreach while addressing challenges faced by smaller broadband providers and preparing for potential market consolidation.

• Ofcom has outlined draft proposals to maintain its regulatory framework for BT’s Openreach for the next five years to promote competition and investment in full-fibre broadband.
• The UK’s full-fibre broadband rollout is on track to reach 96% of homes and businesses by 2027, with nearly 70% of households already covered.
• Alternative network providers (alt-nets) face financial pressures due to rising interest rates and modest consumer uptake, leading to expectations of industry consolidation.
• Ofcom is exploring a 'supplier of last resort' regime to safeguard consumers in the event of broadband provider collapses.
• The consultation on Ofcom’s proposals will run until summer 2025, with final decisions expected in March 2026.

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