5 of the UK’s largest different fibre community operators have shaped the Bodily Infrastructure Entry (PIA) Coalition to advocate for fairer entry to bodily infrastructure operated by Openreach. The coalition, initiated by Nexfibre and together with AllPoints Fibre, Group Fibre, Gigaclear, and the newly merged Netomnia and Brsk, represents over 5 million premises prepared for service. The Coalition will name on Ofcom to make sure a stage taking part in subject for entry to Openreach’s passive infrastructure in its upcoming Telecoms Entry Assessment (TAR).
Additionally Learn: Nexfibre Reaches Practically 1.3 Million Premises Handed and Prepared for Service in UK
Pricing Disparity Revealed
The coalition stated an in depth evaluation of Openreach PIA regulation, carried out by SPC Community, reveals a pricing disparity the place different operators pay considerably extra for entry to ducts and poles in comparison with Openreach’s personal fees. The group is urging Ofcom to deal with this problem in its upcoming Telecoms Entry Assessment to make sure a stage taking part in subject.
Potential Influence on Competitors
The group warns that failure to behave will hurt competitors and funding in the long run, threatening the progress of fibre rollout to properties and companies and damaging the UK’s potential to compete internationally.
“In the meanwhile, there may be not a stage taking part in subject between Openreach and different community operators on PIA. Various community operators pay considerably extra to entry infrastructure in comparison with Openreach,” stated Giles Rowbotham, spokesperson for the PIA Coalition and Basic Counsel and Chief Growth Officer at Nexfibre, in a press launch.
Calls to Ofcom
“If left unremedied, this disparity dangers choking funding, slowing down the rollout of high-speed broadband throughout the UK, and limiting shopper alternative. We’re calling on Ofcom to behave in its upcoming market assessment to make sure a stage taking part in subject for all suppliers and honest and equal entry to crucial infrastructure,” he continued.
Additionally Learn: Nexfibre Report Highlights Fragile Progress in UK Fibre Market, Requires Regulatory Motion
Ofcom’s Telecoms Entry Assessment
Ofcom’s upcoming Telecoms Entry Assessment will assess the fastened telecoms market, the challenges it faces, and set out regulatory frameworks for 2026-31. The coalition hopes this assessment will tackle the pricing points, making certain honest competitors and continued funding within the UK’s fibre networks. With out decisive motion, policymakers danger shedding the momentum the market has labored so arduous to construct, the group stated in a press release on Friday.
