Ofcom

UK communications regulator, Ofcom has set out its initial views on how to define geographic markets from 2021, when carrying out the next review of wholesale telecoms networks. This is as part of its long-term plans to support investment in fibre networks.

UK communications regulator, Ofcom has proposed to make BT and KCOM the UK’s broadband universal service providers, following submissions of interest from eight companies. Ofcom is also consulting on the obligations that should apply to them in delivering the universal service.

UK communications regulator, Ofcom has revealed new proposals, alongside a consultation on its Business Connectivity Market Review (BCMR), to revisit allowing companies laying high-speed fibre cables – used by large businesses, mobile operators and broadband providers – unrestricted access to Openreach’s ducts and poles.

UK communications watchdog, Ofcom has outlined a package of proposed measures to support long-term investment in full-fibre networks

The government’s Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy has published the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR), which it says sets clear, ambitious targets when it comes to full fibre and 5G networks.

BT has set out its latest strategy update as part of the incumbent’s full year results for 2017-2018. Revealed in the update is the intention to increase its FTTP and mobile infrastructure investment within an annual capex allocation of around £3.7 billion.

UK communications regulator, Ofcom has decided not to introduce a restricted dark fibre remedy for the period up to March 2019. The regulator consulted on proposals to introduce a restricted dark fibre remedy for leased line services at and below 1Gb/s until March 2019 last November, following a judgment by the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

UK communications regulator, Ofcom has published a set of measures that aim to increase investment in full fibre broadband networks and lower the upfront building costs. The draft has been submitted to the European Commission for comment, and a final statement is due to be published in March 2018.

Voneus has been granted powers by the UK's communications regulator, Ofcom under the Electronics Communications Code (the Code) to help it accelerate the rollout of superfast broadband services to hard-to-reach UK rural communities. 

BT has made an offer to the UK government to voluntarily provide high-speed broadband to 99 per cent all homes and businesses across the country within five years, which would largely be delivered by Openreach.

The government said it received the offer after it committed to introduce a Universal Service Obligation (USO) through regulation to give every home and business in the UK the right to request a high-speed connection of at least 10Mb/s.