Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length

[Bowdon]

https://www.ispreview.co.uk/index.php/2018/11/ofcom-satisfied-with-openreach-split-from-bt-but-fibre-needs-work.html

The UK telecoms regulator has today issued an update on Openreach’s legal separation from BT. Overall they were “broadly satisfied with progress,” although Ofcom still wants to see more progress being made on improving “full fibre” (FTTP) and general broadband ISP connectivity.

At the end of last month Ofcom formally released BT from their 2005 Undertakings, which among other things meant that Openreach would now be subject to a different set of regulations and regarded as a “legally separate” company from its parent with its own independent identity, employees and board etc. (as set out in the 2016 Strategic Review).

Overall BT and Openreach have delivered on the vast majority of their core commitments, but today’s update still warns that the overall UK availability of “full fibre” (FTTP) broadband networks remains “low” at 5% (it may take a couple of decades to solve this). Ofcom said that, in terms of consumer outcomes and broadband, they assess Openreach’s performance in three areas using baseline metrics (tracked over time):

    • Widespread availability of more fibre based broadband networks;

    • Decent broadband connectivity for all UK consumers and businesses at a speed that is sufficient to meet modern needs; and

    • A step change in quality of service, to ensure Openreach’s performance meets the needs of all wholesale customers, consumers and businesses.

    Ofcom Statement

    Overall, we remain broadly satisfied with progress. However, continued commitment from Openreach and BT is crucial to ensure the new arrangements are a success.

    We recognise that the new arrangements represent the biggest ever reform of Openreach, meaning that the changes will need some time to fully bed in. Our focus is on making sure the new arrangements are leading to meaningful changes for the industry and delivering better services for consumers.

    We will work closely with BT, Openreach, Openreach’s customers and other stakeholders to assess further progress that is being made through the remainder of the year. In June 2019, we intend to publish a full compliance report covering the period April 2018 to March 2019

    A Spokesperson for Openreach told ISPreview.co.uk:

    “The biggest ever reform of Openreach is happening alongside our largest ever recruitment drive and a huge acceleration in our network build programme.

    We’re working hard to fully bed the changes in, and at the same time we’re developing better services for our customers, improved training and opportunities for our people, and more encouraging conditions for network investors throughout the UK.

    We’re pleased that Ofcom recognises that progress, but we’re not resting on our laurels. We’re getting on with job of building faster, more reliable, futureproof broadband infrastructure for the nation.”

[kitz]

Currently it’s still unclear precisely what Ofcom expects Openreach to deliver on this front, except for vaguely demanding more of everything.

Perhaps if they stopped meddling so much and just let them get on with it instead of placing hurdles in their way.

[burakkucat]

The sooner Ofcom is abolished, the better.