One Contact Change: An inflection level of alternative

Viewpoint Article 

by Jarlath Finnegan is Group CEO of AllPoints Fibre Networks (APFN)

Because the trade approached the launch of One Contact Change (OTS) on 12 September, there was an rising quantity of commentary on its perceived faults and options. No matter which aspect of that debate we stand, at APFN, we see OTS as an inflection level which ought to give pause for thought to all of us concerned within the trade.  

Over the previous ten years, our backers have poured billions of kilos of personal sector capital into model new full fibre infrastructure, which is already benefiting thousands and thousands of shoppers. A lot delayed and under-publicised, it’s a frequent hope throughout the trade, authorities, and the regulator that OTS will encourage extra shoppers to have interaction extra deeply with the telecoms market. 

However we already know that OTS is just not an trade cure-all. None of us must be underneath the impression that buyer take-up of full fibre broadband will rocket from mid-September onwards. To make a extra aggressive market a actuality, we want the federal government and the regulators to step in. 

On the stroke of a pen, and with out spending any cash, they might do loads to assist. Ofcom’s new steering on using the phrase ‘fibre’ in advertising comes into impact 4 days after the brand new OTS course of goes dwell. Utilizing the phrase ‘fibre’ with out qualification will now be banned by Ofcom, and in accordance with them, shoppers also needs to learn in regards to the know-how used to ship their broadband. However the Promoting Requirements Authority has declined to observe swimsuit. So suppliers will be capable to market their networks in a method on their web sites, and a completely completely different approach on an promoting billboard. In no different trade would this be tolerable and the federal government and Ofcom must stress the ASA to vary its steering instantly, as has occurred in France and Eire. 

Secondly, the federal government has did not meaningfully assist the trade to speak the advantages of fibre. Successive administrations have overseen a outstanding success story by way of the rollout. The provision of full fibre connections grew to over 60% in January 2024 in accordance with Ofcom in comparison with 7% in January 2019. However we want shoppers to modify and make the most of this new know-how. If shoppers voluntarily transfer on to sooner, extra dependable connections, that advantages everybody: they get a greater service; productiveness will increase; and the federal government can additional digitise public companies. The federal government ought to run a public info marketing campaign to ‘make the swap’, identical to it did for the digital television and radio switchover. For people who want it, the federal government also needs to prioritise digital expertise coaching, significantly for these adults who missed out once they had been at school. We can’t unlock the complete potential of the UK with out it. 

Lastly, we’re approaching one other inflection level when the copper networks are switched off and shoppers are moved to full fibre networks by their ISPs. Like OTS, this has not acquired the publicity and scrutiny that it deserves. That is necessary for Openreach, in addition to people who use their networks. There isn’t any level in Openreach, the trade and shoppers paying for the prices of working two networks, a 20th century part-copper community primarily based on outdated landline know-how and a contemporary fibre optic one. On the level of swap off, it’s important that buyers could make an knowledgeable alternative of community, slightly than having their contracts mechanically rolled over to a full fibre one by their present ISP. The federal government and the regulator ought to intervene on this now in order that the principles are clear earlier than the swap off takes place and we will inject a lot wanted competitors into the broadband market. Copper switch-off is a as soon as in a era alternative to do it. 

Broadband isn’t usually argued about a lot within the chambers of Westminster as a result of, for essentially the most half, everybody agrees: it’s a fairly-priced each day important that facilitates our lives. However there must be a wholesome broadband marketplace for that scenario to proceed, and for that, we want the federal government to get extra concerned.  

One Contact Change is being launched on Thursday 12 September! Get the most recent reactions from the UK telecoms trade dwell at Linked Britain

Jarlath Finnegan is Group CEO of AllPoints Fibre Networks (APFN), which was created from the merger of Giganet, Swish Fibre, Jurassic Fibre and the present AllPoints Fibre manufacturers. Cuckoo Fibre can be a part of the identical group. His background is in telecoms and renewable vitality infrastructure.