UK telecoms regulator Ofcom has announced new plans to accelerate the country’s full-fibre broadband expansion. The initiative aims to boost competition and investment, potentially extending full-fibre connections to 96% of UK homes and businesses by 2027. This represents a significant improvement from 2019 when less than 25% had such access.
Natalie Black, Group Director for Networks and Communications at Ofcom, praised the UK’s fibre rollout as a national success. She noted the stark progress from 2019 to today, where nearly 70% of premises now have full-fibre access. However, Ofcom intends to maintain momentum and complete the rollout efficiently.
Recent advancements stem from initial regulations set in 2021, which prompted existing network providers to invest in fibre infrastructure. These regulations also eased market entry for newcomers, allowing access to Openreach’s ducts and poles at lower costs. Nevertheless, as of early 2024, UK full-fibre coverage was only at 57%, lagging behind several European countries such as Spain and France.
Industry figures like Alex Tofts from Broadband Genie note this shortfall, emphasizing the need for further progress to meet digital demands. Ofcom aims for UK broadband to not only catch up with but possibly lead European standards.
Greg Mesch, CEO of CityFibre, supports the new Ofcom review, seeing it as a milestone for sustainable competition. He believes it will translate into better services, more choice, and economic growth for the UK.
Currently, 69% of UK premises have full-fibre access, a leap from 40% in 2021. Gigabit-capable network coverage has also surged, reaching 83%. This development offers consumers more choices, with over 70% able to select from multiple broadband providers.
Central to Ofcom’s strategy is regulating wholesale broadband markets between 2026 and 2031. These proposals build on the 2021 regulations to ensure market stability and foster competition while aiming for widespread fibre access.
Natalie Black emphasized the long-term benefits, highlighting how improved broadband accessibility will stimulate economic growth and enable cutting-edge technologies like AI. Ofcom’s regulatory review is open for consultation until June 2025, with final decisions expected in March 2026.
