BT has called for a shake-up of Ofcom, claiming that the regulator could become too powerful after Britain leaves the EU. The telecoms giant fears that Brexit could lead to the watchdog’s role being increased as oversight by the European Commission is removed. It has suggested tackling the issue by separating operations within Ofcom to ensure “checks and balances” remain. The comments risk reigniting tensions that marred the end of Gavin Patterson’s reign as chief executive. Patterson tried to resist Ofcom’s demands that Openreach — the part of BT that runs the copper and fibre lines into homes and businesses — be run more independently. After Ofcom threatened to break up BT, the two sides agreed that Openreach would be spun off into a separate
BT has suggested Ofcom should be divided into separate operations following Brexit, to avoid the regulator having too much power once the European Commission no longer has an oversight role. The government is also considering a new law that would force broadcasters and online platforms such as YouTube to pay for access to British airwaves if they want to reach audiences in Britain.