Report: alternative FTTP networks reach 1 million
A new report has found that alternative network service providers are providing superfast, “full fibre” services to more than 1 million homes and businesses across the UK, suggesting that the market is open for new innovators.
According to data compiled jointly by the Independent Networks Co-operative Association (INCA), Point Topic and UKWISPA, some 998,500 premises had FTTP services provided by alternative ISPs at the end of 2017.
INCA also predicts that by the year 2025, the number of businesses or homes supplied with the infrastructure for internet services by so-called “altnets” could reach 14.25 million premises - roughly half of the UK’s population. The report’s authors note, however, that this “may include some double counting from overbuild”.
On the subject of predictions, INCA also suggests that 1.92 million premises will be able to order new high-speed services from altnets by the end of 2019 - or 554,700 subscribers.
The report estimates that - at time of writing - altnets currently provide 207,500 live connections for customers, with another 100,500 through Fixed Wireless Access (FWF) infrastructure. At present, the report says FWF services provided by altnets can potentially reach a further 2 million premises in mainly rural areas.
Malcolm Corbett, CEO at INCA, said that the report deftly showed that altnets are making great strides on the mainstream ISPs.
“They are delivering the future-proofed digital infrastructure the country needs for long-term prosperity”, he continued. “The investment and competitive dynamic these companies have introduced mean that we will get ultrafast full fibre networks and high-speed wireless broadband much faster than simply relying on the incumbent.”
The UK’s digital and culture minister Mago James MP said that the government would support altnets going forward and that it was “fantastic” to see their growth continue.
Further government-supported projects in the next few years will include further investment in fibre projects, installing a 5G network and removing business rates for new FTTP deployments.
