Broadband infrastructure provider Openreach has unveiled plans to extend its full fibre broadband services to 517 additional locations across the UK, bringing fibre-to-the-premise (FTTP) to an extra 2.7 million homes and businesses. This ambitious rollout includes 400,000 homes in rural areas, highlighting Openreach’s commitment to bridging the digital divide.
A recent market study by INCA (Independent Networks Cooperative Association) and Point Topic reveals that alternative network builders in the UK have collectively expanded fibre infrastructure to more premises than BT’s Openreach unit. By the end of 2023, UK altnets had reached 12.9 million premises with fibre, exceeding Openreach’s coverage of 12.8 million.
Openreach, UK’s primary broadband provider, is proposing legislations that’ll speed up fibre broadband installations in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs). This initiative is due to the lengthy authorizations processes, known as wayleaves, resulting in significant cost. However, critics argue this could infringe on property rights.
In a remarkable feat of engineering, Openreach, the UK’s leading digital network provider, is illuminating approximately 60,000 new premises every week, equivalent to the size of Tunbridge Wells in Kent. With a commitment to a £15 billion investment, the company aims to connect 25 million buildings by 2026, with a subsequent target of 30 million by the end of 2030.
CityFibre, the UK alternative network provider, urgently seeks external funding to maintain pace against competitors like Openreach. Despite financial challenges, CityFibre reported impressive growth with a revenue surge to £99.67 million in 2023.
BT has launched the GenAI Gateway, an advanced platform designed to integrate large language models (LLMs) into their operations, boosting VoIP solutions. Developed with AWS, this platform centralizes access to AI models from leading providers like Anthropic and Meta, enhancing VoIP service delivery with robust security and flexible AI tools.
Vodafone has faced a major setback as the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) ordered the discontinuation of three ads deemed misleading. These ads claimed Vodafone offers identical broadband to BT at a lower price, which BT disputed. The ASA upheld BT’s complaint, emphasizing that network performance varies due to different hardware and technology.
The recent partnership between CityFibre and Sky has significant implications for the UK’s broadband market, potentially challenging BT’s dominance. This deal extends Sky’s services, enhancing competition and driving innovation. Industry experts suggest that while BT faces pressure, the partnership signals confidence in the emerging alternative networks.
The wireless telecoms industry experienced growth due to 5G technology. Telstra and Optus will stop pre-installing Google Search as the default on their Android phones. A MedUX report ranked UK fixed broadband providers. The WBBA urges IP network upgrades for 5.5G and 6G services.
Netomnia has merged with Brsk, forming the UK’s second-largest alternative network provider after CityFibre. This merger creates a network footprint of 1.5 million premises ready for service (RFS), aiming to reach 3 million by next year. Supported by £1.2 billion in debt funding, the merger combines complementary networks to enhance market position and service delivery, emphasizing expansion and innovation.
