A Full-Fibre Revolution in the UK
The UK is on the brink of a full-fibre broadband revolution. Ofcom has unveiled new proposals aimed at accelerating the rollout of full-fibre connections, which could see 96% of homes and businesses benefiting from ultra-fast internet by 2027. This marks a significant leap from just a few years ago when less than a quarter of premises had access to full-fibre broadband.
A British Infrastructure Success Story
The rapid expansion of full-fibre broadband is a direct result of Ofcom’s regulatory framework introduced in 2021. By incentivising network investments and making infrastructure sharing more accessible, the UK has witnessed one of the fastest full-fibre rollouts in Europe. The telecoms industry has been investing between £3bn and £6bn annually, with full-fibre access now available to 69% of UK premises and gigabit-capable networks reaching 83%.
Strengthening Competition and Investment
To maintain this momentum, Ofcom is proposing new regulations for the wholesale broadband market from 2026 to 2031. These measures are designed to:
- Provide long-term stability and clarity for telecom providers.
- Promote fair and sustainable competition.
- Ensure that full-fibre broadband reaches even more villages, towns, and cities across the UK.
What This Means for UK Businesses
Faster, More Reliable Connectivity
Businesses across the UK will benefit from improved connectivity, enabling seamless remote work, faster data transfers, and enhanced cloud-based services. This will be particularly beneficial for SMEs and rural enterprises that have historically struggled with poor broadband speeds.
Increased Competition, Lower Costs
As Ofcom’s regulations foster greater competition among providers, businesses may see more affordable broadband packages, giving them better value for money. Reduced infrastructure costs for new market entrants could also lead to more choices for business customers.
Enhanced Digital Transformation
With near-universal full-fibre coverage, businesses can confidently invest in digital transformation initiatives, such as AI-driven automation, IoT and big data analytics, without the fear of connectivity bottlenecks.
Boost for Innovation and Productivity
Faster broadband speeds will support innovation across industries, from fintech and e-commerce to healthcare and manufacturing. Increased efficiency in operations, improved customer experiences, and higher workforce productivity will be key benefits.
Ofcom’s latest proposals mark a critical phase in the UK’s digital evolution. With the right regulatory framework, full-fibre broadband could become a nationwide reality by 2027. For businesses, this means better connectivity, lower costs, and a stronger foundation for digital growth. As the consultation process unfolds, businesses should stay informed and prepare for a future powered by ultra-fast, reliable internet.
*Ofcom’s Consultation closes on 12 June 2025 – https://www.ofcom.org.uk/phones-and-broadband/telecoms-infrastructure/consultation-promoting-competition-and-investment-in-fibre-networks-telecoms-access-review-2026-31/