In 2021, Ofcom released its market review report outlining the regulations of the fixed telecoms markets that underpin broadband, mobile and business connections from April 2021-March 2026 in an effort to promote competition and investment.
Two years into Ofcom’s review, we’ve taken a look at how competition in the fibre space is supporting better broadband for all and what the future might look like as more homes can access gigabit-capable connectivity, no matter where they are.
Research by Ofcom found that households in the UK are using 40% more data every year as our daily lives become even more ingrained in the digital world.
Streaming TV shows, gaming and connecting with colleagues is just the start, as bigger and better plans for internet technology are set out for the future. Take NEOM, the world’s first smart city, for example.
The last few years of technological development have shown how critical sufficient network connectivity is as we try to do more online. It’s only possible if the UK’s telecoms infrastructure is up to the job, now and in the future. This is why Ofcom’s pro-investment regulation is so important in spurring companies to build new networks which deliver full-fibre broadband.
But why is competition so vital to the cause? And what are the benefits for consumers of healthy competition in this space?
Competition will produce higher-quality services
By encouraging network competition, providers will strive to deliver higher quality services and produce differentiation to attract more customers and generate higher margins. Innovation will lead to faster speeds, decreased latency, the ability to connect more devices and increased security.
But it’s important that consumers look for fibre without fibs. They need to find a provider that actually delivers on their promises of better services and ensure they are paying a fair price based on output.
Consumers will have more choice
By de-monopolising the broadband market, people will benefit from the choice of multiple networks – particularly with the emergence of new Alt–Nets. They can compare services and speeds to choose a provider that fits their internet needs.
This also helps lower household costs which have been driven up by the cost-of-living crisis as consumers can look for a package that aligns with their budget. BeFibre offers multiple-tiered packages that vary in speed and price to allow customers to choose an offering that suits their price range and requirements.
Broadband will be affordable
With more competition in the market, consumers will have stronger price power as new networks are rolled out – meaning with more choice comes lower prices.
There’s no doubt that rolling out new full fibre networks is expensive as providers invest in new technology to provide high-quality services, but this should be done cost-effectively to ensure the consumer doesn’t suffer.
Ofcom’s approach to investment and competition ensures companies are able to make a fair return whilst customers are guaranteed affordable prices.
Customers' demands will be fulfilled
More competition allows market forces to shape decisions about what networks to build, the technology used, and how they should be delivered cost-effectively. This will promote healthy rivalry as providers try to attract and retain customers by offering them exactly what they want.
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In the spirit of healthy competition, we are building a new network of full fibre cables which will deliver superfast broadband speeds that will surely turn our competitor's heads. We are committed to giving our customers the best quality service at a fair price.
If you’re interested in our brand new full fibre offering, enter your postcode to check if BeFibre is available in your area, here.
All references to how many times faster our broadband service is, depends on you being able to access ‘superfast’ type broadband services of 70Mbps (or less) and selecting one of our packages at the advertised speed. Speeds shown may be affected based on the placement of the router in your property or the device you are using.
