The Independent Network Co-operative Association (INCA) has released the results of a survey that reports that more than 5.5 million homes and businesses in the UK can now connect to a standalone fibre broadband network. This represents a 111 percent year-over-year increase, compared to 110 percent in 2019-2020 and 52 percent in 2018-2019. More importantly, the total number of live connections provided by alternative network providers or "alternative networks" exceeded 1 million for the first time.
Some key drivers include the independent sector continuing to attract significant private funding, with investment and spending commitments expected to reach £17.7 billion by the end of 2025. Together with the £12 billion announced by BT Group, the £5 billion announced by the government and the £2 billion planned by VM02, the level of investment will exceed previous estimates of £30 billion to bring next generation networks to every property in the UK.
Alex Blowers, Chairman of the Independent Network Collaboration Association (INCA), talks about what altnet is doing, the challenges they face and how the association can play a role in helping
The report also details some of the key concerns for operators, which include
Planning and street work delays
The threat of overbuilding for taxpayer funded gigabit project procurement
Service delivery times for Openreach or other operators (e.g. EAD circuits, PIA)
Access to access permits
The impact of the BDUK moratorium on community-led ISP gigabit vouchers; and Access to skills and workforce.
Malcolm Corbett, Chief Executive of INCA, commented: "This continued high level of investment, together with other commitments from the private sector such as BT and Virgin Media, and the money invested by the Government, shows that the UK is on track to compete for a proper broadband infrastructure for the first time in its history. Independent network operators are a key part of this connectivity jigsaw that will provide consumers with real choice and drive innovation in the broadband services they consume.
"This report demonstrates the growing maturity of the independent broadband sector," added Alex Blowers, INCA chairman, commenting. "It is now transitioning from a fundraising and planning model to a delivery and execution phase and is undeniably a key partner in delivering a 21st century digital Britain. It is now vital that the Government and Ofcom ensure that momentum is maintained by developing the underlying policy and regulatory framework to support the infrastructure competition that has now arrived in the UK.
