Ofcom's Telecom Access Review Consultation - Which? response

Summary

The Telecoms Access Review 2026-31 sets out Ofcom’s approach to the regulation of fixed-line telecoms infrastructure to support competition, investment and the transition to full-fibre broadband. The review imposes a range of regulations on Openreach where it has Significant Market Power (SMP) status. Our response to the Telecoms Access Review 2026-31 (TAR) is structured around three overarching themes: copper network retirement, network quality and reliability and market consolidation and competition.

Background

We welcome this opportunity to respond to Ofcom’s consultation on the Telecoms Access Review 2026-31. Access to high-quality, cost-effective and reliable fibre services is of considerable importance to consumers, and we welcome the expansion of full-fibre and gigabit-capable broadband across the UK. Ofcom plays a critical role in supporting investment and competition across wholesale fibre markets, and this creates downstream benefits in retail markets through increased quality and choice for the consumer.

Which? has a long-standing interest in the effectiveness of the full-fibre market, stemming from our role chairing the Gigabit Take-up Advisory Group [established in 2020] alongside the Confederation of British Industry and the Federation of Small Businesses. We also responded to the previous Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review, covering the period 2021-26. Like our previous response, we have chosen to focus on the key issues raised by Ofcom that we judge pertinent to UK consumers and where we have the necessary expertise.