Ofcom Propose Code Powers for Hyperoptic to Expand UK FTTP Broadband
The communications regulator has today proposed to grant Code Powers to Hyperoptic, which would make it simpler for them (e.g. easier approval for street works) to roll-out their 1Gbps capable fibre optic broadband (FTTB) network into more cities around the United Kingdom.
Regular readers might recall that Hyperoptic recently confirmed plans to expand the reach of their Fibre-To-The-Building (FTTB) network beyond London and into three new “hypercities”, which include locations in Cardiff, Bristol and Reading (here).
The ISP typically focuses on connecting multi-dwelling units and office blocks in high density urban areas, although their application for Code Powers also confirms that they still intend to deliver “HD TV, Video on demand, Sky Player and VOIP based phone lines” in the future (a TV service has long been mooted). Hyperoptic believes that the powers will also help them to carry out the installation of its in-building network in a “more coordinated fashion“.
Ofcoms Statement
“Ofcom considers that granting the Applicant Code powers would benefit the public as the network will serve retail and ultimately wholesale customers and is likely to increase competition in the provision of various broadband services in parts of the United Kingdom in the future.
The impact of implementing the proposal is likely to be low since any costs to those affected by the Applicant’s use of Code powers are likely to be outweighed by the benefits.”
As usual Ofcom has opened a brief consultation for responses, which is expected to close on 31st March 2014. Such applications are rarely rejected or opposed by rival ISPs.
Mark is a professional technology writer, IT consultant and computer engineer from Dorset (England), he also founded ISPreview in 1999 and enjoys analysing the latest telecoms and broadband developments. Find me on Twitter, Google+, Facebook and Linkedin.
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Dear Hyperoptic, please come to Plymouth.
Bring to Telford please!
BT might not be happy about this one.
Maybe not but it will be good for us the consumer. Although hyper only serve mdu’s so it might not make much difference
TOUGH. It’s all about competition and fairer!
If only every communications provider had easier street works approval to improve the infrastructure in the UK. The government would save a lot of money and then be able to provide a better service to more people. Would also speed up the process of improving the infrastructure in the UK which would stop people moaning about when things are going to get upgraded!
Do you know how many companies have code powers?
127 at last check. I’m not saying “if only more communications providers had code powers to carry out civics work” I’m saying in general if only they had better and easier street works approval more could be done, if permits prices were reduced for communications providers then rolling out faster broadband could reach more areas outside of the cities with the money saved.