The UK communications regulator, Ofcom published on 18 March 2021 its final decision in the Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review (“WFTMR”). This sets out the regulatory landscape covering residential and business connectivity (copper, superfast broadband and fibre), as well as leased lines and mobile backhaul connectivity. It also covers access to Openreach’s ducts and poles necessary to support fibre investment for the period to 2026, in line with the UK’s Government drive to have more next generation gigabit broadband, particularly in harder to reach areas.
On 17 March 2021, Ofcom also announced the results of the principal stage of its latest auction of the 700 MHz and 3.6 – 3.8 GHz frequency bands which will support 5G connectivity. The first phase of the negotiation period for these bands began on 25 March 2021 and will end on 16 April 2021.
To read more about the plans to roll-out fibre and 5G connectivity, see the full article here.
