Concerns have been raised about the quality of wholesale telecom service quality in the UK.

According to a new report from analyst firm Ovum, performance levels are falling in many areas – jeopardising the quality of broadband services.

David James, Principal Analyst at Ovum, said the economic crisis, combined with fierce competition, has forced wholesale prices down.

"In spite of the tough environment for wholesalers, their customers report there are expanding gaps between what they expect from their suppliers, and what is being delivered to them," he stated.

Mr James claimed that wholesalers are also getting it wrong by offering too wide a range of products.

"A clear conclusion from our survey is that customers want specialist suppliers with in-depth offerings, not generalists with broad portfolios," he added.

Wholesalers need to listen to their customers and this has never been more important than it is now, Mr James said.