Full-fiber deployment in the U.K. is advancing rapidly, according to Ofcom, which also praised altnet's contribution.
According to forecasts previously released by the telecoms regulator, fiber-to-the-premises (FTTP) networks will pass through 50 percent of UK homes in March, up from 42 percent at the end of September last year. Based on its current figures, it expects full fiber to pass through 80 percent of homes within the next two years. Ofcom says this is a big improvement on five years ago, when only 6 percent of homes had access to a full fibre network.
Lindsay Fussell, group director of networks and communications at Ofcom, said in a statement, "There is still a lot of work to be done to bring faster connectivity across the country, but progress has been rapid in recent years."
Statistics aside, the announcement provides an opportunity for Ofcom to reiterate that it has not yet decided whether to approve Equinox 2, the Hollywood name for Openreach's proposed wholesale price change.
Since April, BT's network division has wanted to reduce access rates for its FTTP network but has asked retail ISPs to commit to longer contracts. Openreach's argument is that Equinox 2 will drive take-up by reducing the cost of full-fibre broadband services. This idea has some merit, as Ofcom itself highlighted late last year that adoption rates were lagging far behind availability.
However, some alternative networks, notably CityFibre, are understandably fed up with Openreach's proposals. They argue that the incumbent is using its scale to undercut competitors and lock in ISPs, making it harder for them to compete.
Ofcom is currently consulting on Equinox 2 and will not issue a decision until the end of March. Nevertheless, on Friday it highlighted the important role competition plays in the expansion of fibre networks.
"The numbers speak for themselves. The collective footprint of these challenger companies is doubling every year and is expected to reach 11.5 million homes by the end of this year. Investment in independent broadband builders is strong and is expected to reach £17 billion by 2025," said Fussell.
"For Ofcom, Openreach's alternative networks are an important part of our strategy to improve broadband. They help form the engine room of the UK's digital infrastructure," she added.
The regulator also stressed the importance of keeping a close eye on Openreach and reminded everyone that Ofcom's Openreach Monitoring Unit (OMU) will publish an updated compliance report in June.
"If we see evidence of any company acting in a way that distorts or hinders competition, we won't hesitate to step in," Fussell said. "Competition is the force that drives better broadband for everyone. By promoting it, and keeping it fair and effective, we can help secure the UK's digital future."
These statements may prove to be Ofcom's verbal commitment to altnet. Or, they may simply suggest that the decision on whether Equinox 2 is approved is not yet fully clear.
