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.
Mark Shurmer, managing director for regulation at Openreach, welcomed the broad continuity in Ofcom’s approach but said the company would work closely with the regulator “to make sure the rules continue to prioritise investment, growth and customer satisfaction throughout the country.”
Ofcom indicated that it may reduce regulation after 2031 if a healthy competitive market emerges between Openreach and alternative network providers (altnets) such as Virgin Media O2 and CityFibre.
Kester Mann of CCS Insight noted that any such decision would depend on factors like rural connectivity, network performance and market competition.
Greg Mesch, chief executive of CityFibre, praised the review as “yet another major milestone in creating a sustainable competitive market,” adding: “Ofcom’s recognition that there’s more to do is critical and we welcome the clear support for further investment and the network competition the UK deserves.”
However, challenges remain for many of the UK’s smaller altnets, which have come under pressure from high borrowing costs and slowing customer growth. Market speculation continues around potential consolidation as some smaller providers struggle to scale up.
Importantly, Ofcom signalled it is not inclined to introduce tougher cost-based price controls on fibre networks—even after 2031—allowing infrastructure providers to maintain a return on their investments.
The full-fibre rollout is seen as vital to the UK’s long-term productivity, innovation and digital economy. With strong backing from both government and regulators, and continued investment from private sector players, Britain’s broadband landscape is set to be transformed over the next two years.
