Ofcom is planning to regulate the wholesale fixed broadband market by geographical region, taking competition and commercial potential into account. The regulator will also be looking at whether there are any barriers that prevent new entrants from entering the market. Ofcom proposes deregulation where two or more alternatives to Openreach exist, while in other areas with commercial potential it will seek to promote further investment and new entrants. However, a number of other operators, including TalkTalk and CityFibre, are looking to build national networks to compete for this business. Areas deemed non-competitive would be protected from high prices by the regulator. Ofcom plans to consult on the matter later in 2019, with any resulting regulation coming into effect in the spring of 2021 at the earliest.
Ofcom is planning to regulate the wholesale fixed broadband market by geographical region, taking competition and commercial potential into account. The regulator will also be looking at whether there are any barriers that prevent new entrants from entering the market. Ofcom proposes deregulation where two or more alternatives to Openreach exist, while in other areas with commercial potential it will seek to promote further investment and new entrants. Areas deemed non-competitive would be protected from high prices by the regulator. Ofcom plans to consult on the matter later in 2019, with any resulting regulation coming into effect in the spring of 2021 at the earliest.