BT broadband rivals set for pole position
BT is prepared to open up its telegraph poles and underground ducts so rivals can install their own high-speed telecoms cables over existing infrastructure.
The move could allow companies such as BSkyB and Carphone Warehouse’s soon-to-be demerged TalkTalk division install and run their own fibre-optic cable networks without having to dig up roads.
Last month the Conservatives said they would introduce laws to open up its infrastructure for speedier roll-out of high-speed broadband networks in rural areas.
But BT chief executive Ian Livingston said the group had been in talks with telecoms watchdog Ofcom since last year after the European Commission said it wanted companies to open up their ducts.
He said others could already install their equipment into BT’s exchanges “so we’re relaxed about providing another form of access as well”.
BT feels if it should make its ducts available, then other telecom groups and other industries, such as water, gas and electricity, should do so too. Mr Livingston said: “Although it’s unlikely to be the silver bullet to get fibre into every home, open access to all ducts, not just ours, might help BT and others extend coverage.”
Rivals can buy access to BT’s fibre-optic cables on a wholesale basis. However, BSkyB and TalkTalk are thought to be unhappy about some of the packages on offer. It is believed BT feels if rivals install their own networks, they should also be made to sell wholesale services to prevent local monopolies arising. Opening up its ducts could see BT’s own wholesale division take a hit.
Analysts said even without having to dig up roads, installing their own fibre-optic networks would prove expensive for BSkyB and TalkTalk. BSkyB said it had no plans, while TalkTalk said it will launch a trial.