Page 58 - SAMENA Trends - March-April 2025

REGULATORY & POLICY UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

REGULATORY NEWS

Ofcom Plans Rules to Drive UK Full-Fiber Broadband to 96% Coverage

UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has unveiled
new rules to support the country’s full-fi-
ber broadband rollout. The proposals are
aimed at further stimulating competition
and investment in the sector and build on
regulations introduced in 2021. The regula-
tor believes its latest plans could see full-fi-
ber connections reach 96% of homes and
businesses across the nation within the
next two years. This target marks a con-
siderable leap forward from the situation
just four years ago, when less than a quar-
ter of UK premises had access to full-fiber.
Natalie Black, Group Director for Networks
and Communications at Ofcom, said: “The
rollout of full fiber across the UK is a Brit-
ish infrastructure success story. “Four
years ago, less than a quarter of UK homes
and offices had access, and it now stands
at nearly seven in 10. But we do not take
this momentum for granted and today we
are setting out how we can work with the
sector to finish the job.” The progress made
since 2021 is undeniable. Ofcom’s initial
regulatory framework incentivized existing
network providers to invest in full-fiber in-
frastructure while simultaneously lowering
the barriers for new entrants by granting
them easier and more affordable access
to Openreach’s ducts and telegraph poles.
However, this recent momentum follows
a slow start. In response to Ofcom’s Con- competitive market. By supporting whole- works. Achieving this near-universal ac-
nected Nations report entering 2024 that sale network competition, Ofcom is help- cess to high-quality broadband is seen as
found UK full-fiber broadband coverage had ing to drive better services, greater choice, crucial for powering economic growth, un-
reached 57 percent, industry experts noted and lower prices for consumers and busi- locking opportunities in remote communi-
the coverage lagged behind many Europe- nesses, while unlocking economic growth ties, boosting productivity, and supporting
an countries. Alex Tofts, Broadband Expert across the country. “We fully support Of- the increasing digitization of public ser-
at Broadband Genie, commented: “Full-fi- com’s direction and look forward to work- vices. However, Ofcom acknowledges that
ber coverage of 57 percent means we are ing together to ensure the UK benefits from continued investment is essential to reach
lagging behind other European countries a thriving, sustainable digital infrastruc- the final few percent and solidify the UK’s
such as Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Norway, ture market.” Currently, around 69% of UK full-fiber future. While competition from
and France. Further progress is needed to premises (20.7 million) have access to full newer broadband networks is emerging,
support the nation’s current and future dig- fiber—a significant increase from the 40% it requires time for these entrants to build
ital demands.” Ofcom hopes its proposals (11.6 million premises) recorded in 2021. their customer base and achieve the neces-
will help the UK full-fiber broadband rollout Gigabit-capable network coverage has also sary scale for long-term sustainability. En-
catch up with its counterparts and, ideal- surged, reaching 83% of premises last year. couraging customers to switch from older
ly, even become a European leader. Greg This increased infrastructure has translat- copper networks to the superior full-fiber
Mesch, CEO of CityFibre, said: “Ofcom’s ed into greater choice for consumers, with technology is vital for the success of all
Telecoms Access Review marks yet anoth- over 70% of premises now able to select providers, and Ofcom notes that adoption
er major milestone in creating a sustainable from two or more different broadband net- rates are steadily rising.

58 MARCH-APRIL 2025