The UK is on course to deliver full-fibre broadband to nearly every household by 2027, according to Ofcom, marking a major milestone in Britain’s digital infrastructure ambitions.
In its latest telecoms access review, which will shape broadband regulation from 2026 through to 2031, the communications regulator said that 96% of homes and businesses could be connected to high-speed fibre within the next two years—up from 69% today.
Ofcom said it would focus on “clarity and stability” rather than stricter regulatory controls to maintain the strong momentum behind the rollout.
Natalie Black, Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications, said: “It means that people and businesses in nearly all corners of the country will get faster, better broadband, fuelling economic growth and enabling technologies like artificial intelligence to benefit everyone.”
To support sustainable competition, Ofcom confirmed it would retain restrictions on certain discounting practices by Openreach, the broadband arm of BT. The regulator also extended the required notice period for Openreach’s discount offers from 90 to 120 days to prevent anti-competitive pricing that could deter internet providers from using rival networks.
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