Broadband group calls for commitment to FTTP
The Independent Networks Co-Operative Association has called for the government to commit to providing 80 per cent of the UK with access to fibre to the premises (FTTP) broadband within the next five years.
In a recent report, INCA stated that fibre infrastructure is essential in ensuring the UK is able to digitally compete with other developed countries and argued that achieving 80 per cent coverage by 2026 is an "attainable goal".
Within the report, INCA also called for the removal of barriers to FTTP investment, including the suspension of business rates on new fibre assets for the next 10 years and the introduction of new regulations aimed at encouraging more competition within the sector.
The government is currently working towards a goal of providing 95 per cent superfast broadband coverage by the end of 2017 as part of the Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) programme, which is being implemented via fibre to the cabinet (FTTC) technology. This system relies on the use of traditional copper wires, which are connected to each property via its nearest fibre street cabinet.
Commenting on the report, Malcolm Corbett, CEO of INCA stated that the strength of digitisation in the British economy is not currently being matched by the UK's digital infrastructure.
As a result, Mr Corbett has urged the government to turn to Altnets, or alternative network providers, which can help to upgrade the country to pure fibre connections without the need for government subsidies.
“The Altnets are doing a great job. Five years ago few of them existed, today they provide more than twice as many FTTP connections as BT and many more offer great wireless broadband services," he said.
“Increasingly government ministers and agencies like BDUK (which invests in rural broadband) are recognising the vital role of the Altnets. But more needs to be done.”
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