Ofcom Seeks Simpler, Cheaper Access to BT Network for Rivals
December 06 2016 - 5:11AM
Dow Jones News
By Ian Walker
LONDON--Ofcom, the U.K. telecoms regulator, announced plans for
simpler, cheaper access to BT Group PLC's (BT.A.LN) network for
competitors to lay ultrafast broadband Tuesday.
The regulator said its proposals would reduce the country's
reliance on Openreach, the network division of BT. It is also
considering capping Openreach's rental charges for accessing its
duct network.
The regulator said these plans were subject to it finding that
BT had significant market power in the wholesale local-access
market, in a review that is scheduled to end early 2017.
"Today we're explaining how access to BT's tunnels and poles
could be improved, allowing other providers to connect ultrafast,
fiber broadband directly to U.K. homes and offices. Our plans will
give providers increased confidence to invest in their own
full-fiber networks at reduced cost," Ofcom Competition Policy
Director Yih-Choung Teh said.
-Write to Ian Walker at ian.walker@wsj.com
(END) Dow Jones Newswires
December 06, 2016 04:56 ET (09:56 GMT)
Copyright (c) 2016 Dow Jones & Company, Inc.
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