Government response

Ofcom's proposals for Openreach

Statement following the Ofcom's announcement on the need for increased independence between BT and Openreach

This was published under the 2016 to 2019 May Conservative government

A Department for Culture, Media and Sport spokesman said:

Nine out of ten homes and businesses now have access to superfast broadband, but our goal is to make sure the UK builds the right infrastructure to maintain our position as a world leading digital nation.

We are clear that a more independent Openreach is needed to benefit consumers and the UK’s digital infrastructure. We are concerned that BT’s proposals do not go far enough and think it is right that full structural separation remains an option. Swift and clear action is needed to give certainty to consumers, industry and investors in the UK’s broadband infrastructure, and which delivers rapid improvements in the level of investment and service.

Updates to this page

Published 26 July 2016