Ofcom launches consultation for future broadband networks

Ofcom believes investment at the right time is a key driver in delivering a faster broadband network.

The consultation looks at deploying “Next Generation Access” (NGA) networks to deliver faster broadband in the UK.  This essentially refers to links from the end customer to an operator’s backbone or core networks.

Much debate has been surrounding the UK’s current broadband infrastructure, and its relative slowness compared to that of competing nations, who have deployed more fibre in their networks, allowing for high bandwidth services and speeds ranging from 50 to 100Mbps.

Over the past week, Government minister Stephen Timms announced a push toward future broadband networks and BT weighed in by saying it will hold discussions into the possibility of deploying more fibre to replace parts of its copper based network.

However, Ofcom says that future networks could take any form, of which the use of fibre is only one solution.

They also believe market conditions in the UK differ to those in other countries, citing the UK’s mature pay TV market, high speed broadband for those customer who are are short distance from an exchange and the comparatively high population densities in other countries where fibre based networks are installed.

The recommended approach appears to be to promote timely investment in view of market conditions in the UK.

Related links

• Ofcom NGA consultation