Policy

A major change to the broadband industry affecting all network operators is coming and coming fast. Based on the new EU Electronic Communications Code – EECC – Ofcom is mandating a new method for consumers to be able to switch their broadband connection. This needs to be in place in just a few months, by 21^st December 2020.

The new method will be a new Gaining Provider-led switching process where the Customer is moving between retailers whether they use the same or different access infrastructures (e.g. Openreach to another wholesale platform & vice versa). It even applies to non-fibre or copper infrastructure such as FWA.

New INCA and Point Topic survey finds industry expects this to rise – but INCA CEO says there is still more to be done to meet Government targets

A new report has today revealed that the UK’s independent network providers increased full-fibre coverage by 30% in 2018, reaching almost 1.3 million premises. Compiled for INCA by Point Topic, using data from independent network operators, the report – ‘Metrics for the UK independent network sector’ – puts the total number of premises passed or addressed by altnets at nearly 3.32 million premises. This includes more than two million premises which are estimated to be covered by Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).

Despite the Brexit uncertainty, this is an important Ofcom/BEREC (Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications) consultation for INCA Members (network operators and vendors) involved in Very High Capacity Networks (VHCNs). Promoting access to and take-up of VHCNs is one of the main goals of the EECC (European Electronic Communications Code). Ofcom are working on their input to the BEREC guidelines which will, along with the EECC itself, be transposed into the UK Communications Act.

VHCNs are considered to be either wholly fibre or offering similar performance if wireless or coax so this definition will be important to all INCA Members.

The Independent Networks Cooperative Association has today offered support for the Government’s Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR) and welcomed the emphasis placed on full-fibre, 5G and the role alternative network operators (altnets) play.

Designed to transform the UK telecoms industry, the FTIR aims to open up access to world-class connectivity, regardless of where users are geographically located. It is hoped that this move will ignite new channels of competition within the UK telecoms industry and provide transitions for emerging technologies such as 5G.