The UK regulator aims to reform access to Openreach’s passive infrastructure so that companies laying fibre, mobile operators, and broadband providers can have more freedom to use such infrastructure.
Context: Until present, duct and pole access has been restricted to specific uses, mainly related to “broadband delivery” for residential and small-business customers. Even the Wholesale Local Access market review of March 2018 retained strong limitations to the use of DPA.
What’s new? In July 2018, Ofcom proposed measures to support investment in full-fibre networks. These included extend access to Openreach’s ducts and poles to companies offering high-speed lines for large businesses, as well as networks carrying data for mobile operators – giving companies extra flexibility and more opportunities to make a return on their investments.
Next steps: Today’s announcement opens a consultation, until 18 January 2019. Ofcom then aims to have the resulting measures in place by the start of 2020
