BT told to provide network access to rival providers

Communications giant BT has been told by the regulator Ofcom that it needs to make its network of underground ducts and telegraph poles available to rival providers so that the rollout of high speed broadband can be sped up.

The need to get higher speed broadband expedited across the UK has become increasingly important and this is for a number of reasons. Many people in rural areas are unable to access broadband services, which puts them at a disadvantage when it comes to things such as jobs and education amongst other things, and many businesses in areas where higher speed broadband is not available have suffered because of this problem.

The communications regulator in the UK, Ofcom, has now told the communications giant BT that it needs to make its network of telegraph poles and underground ducts available for use by rival providers. The regulator has stated that this is vital in order to ensure that high speed broadband services can be rolled out as quickly as possible across the UK.

Ed Richards, the Chief Executive of Ofcom, stated: ‘Super-fast broadband is starting to be a reality in the UK, with very significant advances in recent months in the speeds some providers are offering. Ofcom’s proposed regulatory framework is intended to support the next phase of development by promoting investment, competition and innovation for consumers across the UK.’

BT said that it was willing to open up its networks, although there are reports that it will do so reluctantly. BT stated: ‘We agree with Ofcom that there are challenges with such access, but we will work with industry to define a suitable product that meets everyone’s needs. Duct access is unlikely to be the ‘silver bullet’ to get fibre to the countryside, but all options should be explored.’

Source – Daily Mail