Virgin refuses to follow BT's lead

A row has erupted between two of the UK’s leading communications giants over the refusal of one of them to open its broadband networks to other competitors.

It has been reported that two of the UK’s leading broadband and communications giants are embroiled in a verbal battle as a result of one of them refusing to open its infrastructure and networks for use by other competitors. The row has erupted between BT, which already allows rival providers to use its networks, and Virgin Media, which claims that there is nothing to indicate that they have to bow to pressure to do this.

BT has called for Virgin to open its networks for the use of rival providers, and has expressed anger over the fact that Virgin appears to be refusing to do this. Virgin Media referred to previous backing from the communications regulator Ofcom with regards to its case, with the regulator having stated two years ago that there was no obligation for Virgin to provide wholesale access to its networks for rivals because it did not have a monopoly on the market.

Officials from BT stated: “It is remarkable that those calling for open access from BT are not willing to provide it themselves. We call on others to follow BT’s lead in offering to open its infrastructure and content to all on a fair basis. Competition is a two way street.” The company added: “We support Shadow Secretary of State for Media Jeremy Hunt’s call for open access to all networks and call for others to follow our example and open their infrastructure and services.”

Ofcom has said that another study will be conducted into whether Virgin Media now has enough of a market share to have to share its networks. Virgin Media stated: “We’ve invested over £13bn in ultrafast broadband in the UK, launched market-leading 50Mb broadband and have announced plans for 100Mb broadband by the end of this year. We’re currently focused on delivering these ultrafast broadband services to more and more homes across the UK.”

Source – Brand Republic