Ofcom has just introduced new proposals to boost competition and investment in full-fibre broadband. The good news is these changes could bring this fast service to 96% of homes and businesses across the UK in the next two years.
Background
Just four years ago, less than a quarter of UK homes and offices had access to full-fibre broadband. To tackle this, Ofcom introduced a new regulatory framework in 2021 to speed up the rollout.
This framework encouraged existing networks to invest more and made it easier for new companies to enter the market by allowing them to share Openreach’s ducts and telegraph poles. Thanks to these efforts, the UK now boasts one of Europe’s fastest full-fibre broadband rollouts, with investments ranging between £3bn and £6bn annually.
Today, nearly 70% of UK homes and businesses (around 20.7 million) have access to full fibre, and gigabit-capable networks have expanded from 11.6 million premises (40%) in 2021 to 25 million (83%) in 2024.
Next Steps to Boost Investment and Competition
To keep up the momentum and expand coverage even further, Ofcom is proposing a new approach for the wholesale broadband market for 2026-2031, as part of the Telecoms Access Review. This consultation is part of Ofcom’s five commitments under the Government’s Regulation Action Plan, which was announced in March 2025.
Building on the 2021 regulations, Ofcom’s proposed new framework aims to provide stability and clarity, foster fair and sustainable competition, and help bring full-fibre broadband to even more towns, villages, and cities across the UK.
Have Your Say
The consultation on these proposals is open until 12th June this year, with final decisions expected in March 2026, right before the current rules end.
