Altnets react to Ofcom TAR proposals

Ofcom has published its proposals for the new Telecoms Access Review 2026 (TAR), which aims improve competition and investment in gigabit-capable networks, maintaining the competitive landscape created by the preceding Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review 2021 and go further to promote better outcomes for end-users.

“The roll out of full fibre across the UK is a British infrastructure success story,” said Natalie Black, Ofcom’s group director for networks and communications. “Four years ago, less than a quarter of UK homes and offices had access, and it now stands at nearly seven in 10.

"But we do not take this momentum for granted and today, we are setting out how we can work with the sector to finish the job. This means that UK people and businesses will get faster, better broadband, fuelling economic growth and enabling technologies like artificial intelligence to benefit everyone.”

Here, Fibre Provider will compile altnet (and wider industry) reactions to the proposals as they come in.

Sean Royce, CEO Quickline: "Ofcom’s proposals are a positive step toward ensuring more consumers, particularly in rural areas, can access fast, reliable full fibre broadband. Promoting competition and investment is key to delivering choice, affordability, and better service.

"Ensuring regulatory certainty is crucial in this context, as it enables network operators to develop sustainable business models and needs to guarantee that Openreach products and services - on which we all rely - are priced fairly and reasonably in the future. This framework helps instil confidence in investment decisions across the sector which can only be a good thing for all consumers.

"However, many rural communities risk being left behind. Targeted support and clear accountability are needed to ensure fair access and service quality in hard-to-reach areas. Encouraging take-up is just as important as rollout. Many consumers, particularly those in rural areas, are still unaware of the benefits of full fibre or face barriers to switching. More needs to be done to educate and support them in transitioning from legacy networks."

Jeremy Chelot​,​ Group CEO ​- Netomnia, YouFibre, brsk said: "Given the positive outcomes from the current market review, Ofcom’s consultation understandably seeks to ensure continuity in change and to reflect regulatory modifications where there is evidence for it. Through effective and sustainable competition, we want to ensure that our network and services are available to the maximum number of people possible.

"We are supportive of Ofcom’s regulatory approach and look forward to further engaging with Ofcom on the details of its proposals.​ We are confident that Ofcom’s final decisions will provide us with the confidence to roll out our fibre network further and faster.”

Guy Miller, CEO at MS3: “Regulatory certainty must be the priority for our sector over the next five years. We cannot relax regulation on incumbents when we are still in an investment and growth phase for those challengers which are changing communication in the UK for the better. 

"I am pleased that Ofcom have recognised this in TAR26 and will continue to promote competition by ensuring market manipulation by dominant players is kept in check”

Giles Rowbothan, General Council and CDO, nexfibre: "By promoting wholesale network competition and creating regulatory certainty for investors and operators, Ofcom is helping to ensure that the UK has the digital infrastructure it needs to drive economic growth, incentivise investment and improve connectivity for consumers across the UK."

Greg Mesch, CEO of CityFibre, said: “Ofcom’s Telecoms Access Review marks yet another major milestone in creating a sustainable competitive market. Millions of homes and businesses stand to benefit from Gigabit-capable broadband, with greater choice and lower prices, but Ofcom’s recognition that there’s more to do is critical and we welcome the clear support for further investment and the network competition the UK deserves.”

Freedom Fibre statement:  "It is reassuring to see that Ofcom recognises the challenges altnets face and remains committed to driving policies that will help the industry continue to develop.

"While we’ve made great progress since the last review to improve access, we would welcome further detail on how Ofcom plans to support customer adoption ahead of the transition from copper lines to fibre. It is crucial we deliver the long-term benefits of enhanced connectivity and accelerate take-up."

Hyperoptic spokesperson: "Maintaining the optimal environment to sustain continued investment in large-scale fibre competition is crucial for ensuring Britain has the digital infrastructure required to support the government’s economic growth plans. Ofcom's telecoms access review plays a pivotal role in shaping this landscape as it sets the regulatory framework that will shape market dynamics for the next 5-year cycle, and can provide the necessary certainty for investor confidence. 

"The proposals look to have achieved a sense of continuity from what Ofcom set out in WFTMR. As ever though, the devil is in the detail and we will be thoroughly reviewing proposals to ensure that this is indeed the case. We will continue to actively participate in the process."

Mark Shurmer, MD for Regulation at Openreach said: “As a country, we need to promote incentives to invest in projects which drive economic growth. Ofcom’s last review stimulated increased investment, stronger competition and better service outcomes for customers and that’s why it’s vital this one delivers the certainty and stability we need to continue investing in broadband upgrades across the UK.

"At first glance, these proposals offer broad continuity, but we’ll be engaging closely with Ofcom on the details, to make sure the rules continue to prioritise investment, growth and customer satisfaction throughout the country.”