Uswitch responds to VMO2 planning a new competitor to Openreach
Richard Neudegg, director of regulation at Uswitch.com responds to today’s report of VMO2 planning a new competitor to Openreach:
“A large-scale wholesale competitor for Openreach could shake up the market, potentially giving more options to broadband ISPs on how they connect our homes.
“57% of UK homes now have access to full-fibre according to Ofcom[1], so there is still a way to go and more investment required to get the latest future-proofed technology available to all parts of the country.
“There are several smaller scale alternative network providers building out full fibre infrastructure across the UK. VMO2 creating a new wholesale business is a statement of intent that it could be a potential acquirer for some of these networks in the longer term.
“Consumers having access to a choice of well-priced ultrafast broadband services will be an important part of driving take-up as well as build investment.
“This announcement is another reminder how essential ensuring ease of switching between underlying networks is.
“Consumers are still waiting for the implementation of One Touch Switch (OTS) - an Ofcom mandated process that will bring in seamless broadband switching for consumers between physically separate networks, e.g. from Openreach providers to Virgin Media or smaller altnets.”
Chris Thomas
PR Contractor
v-chris.thomas@rvu.co.uk
About Uswitch
Uswitch is one of the UK’s top comparison websites for home services switching, including energy, broadband and mobiles.
More people go to Uswitch to switch their energy, broadband and mobile than any other site, and we have saved consumers over £2.7 billion off their bills since we launched in September 2000.
Free mobile app Utrack also helps households manage their home energy usage and make potential savings.
Uswitch is part of RVU, a group of online brands with a mission to empower consumers to make more confident home services, insurance and financial decisions.