INCA Warns Altnets Need Certainty and Delivery from UK’s Digital Sector Plan

The Independent Networks Co-operative Association (INCA), which represents many of the UK’s alternative broadband networks, has today posted somewhat of a belated welcome to the new Digital and Technologies Sector Plan. But they also warn that “further clarity is needed” on how the Government will support competition as FTTP rollouts slow and consolidation pressures grow.

The plan itself was first published all the way back in June 2025, alongside the Government’s new Infrastructure Strategy for the next 10 years (here). Just prior to this, the government had already confirmed that it would invest £1.9bn into gigabit broadband and mobile projects (this comes from existing commitments) until 2029/30 (2025 Spending Review).

The Industrial Strategy also included a Digital and Technologies Sector Plan, which among other things committed £370 million to support cutting-edge, UK-developed technologies to deliver advanced connectivity improving coverage for communities, providing connectivity across transport networks, and supporting defence applications – like drones.

This breaks down to include a £240 million Advanced Connectivity Tech R&D programme, and a further £130 million will go towards strengthening the capabilities of the UK Telecoms Lab, enhancing the security and reliability of the country’s networks.

INCA has now welcomed the wider strategy’s focus on enhancing infrastructure, boosting access to finance, and securing international partnerships, which they believe “presents clear opportunities for the Altnet sector“.

The proposed Connections Accelerator Service and reforms to the Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIP) regime are also said to be “particularly welcome, given longstanding delays in grid connections and planning decisions” that have “held back broadband delivery“. But they also seek “further clarity” on how the Government will support competition in broadband markets as “rollout slows and consolidation pressures grow“.

Paddy Paddison, INCA CEO, said:

“This strategy is a strong signal that digital infrastructure is not just a utility but a foundation for growth, innovation, and resilience. We’re pleased to see gigabit-capable broadband recognised as critical to the UK’s industrial and technological future.

But turning ambition into action requires a level playing field. Altnets are rolling out fibre faster than ever before, bringing innovation, speed and competition to businesses and people across the UK. For the Government to meet its own targets, independent providers must be supported through pro-investment regulation, fair access to Openreach infrastructure, and a planning system that facilitates, not frustrates, full-fibre deployment.

This is a moment to back the builders. The Altnet sector stands ready to deliver – but the Government must ensure its policies, funding programmes and regulatory frameworks actively support smaller players, not just the incumbent.

We look forward to engaging with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) on the implementation of the strategy and urges ministers to recognise the essential role of Altnets in achieving national coverage targets and digital leadership.”

The words seem to be largely designed to help ensure that INCA’s voice is heard as much as possible, particularly in light of Ofcom’s forthcoming Telecoms Access Review 2026 (TAR) proposals, which some altnets fear may soften the regulation too much on market incumbent Openreach (BT) and thus overlook their concerns in the process.

Altnets have previously raised concerns over the fairness of pricing for Openreach’s physical infrastructure access product (i.e. the cost of running new fibre via the incumbents existing cable ducts and poles), as well as how Ofcom intends to adjust the size / definition of UK areas deemed to now be competitive and the issue of discounts on the incumbents FTTP products etc.

On the flip side, the whole market is currently in a state of transition due to wider economic strains, and there’s a limit to what the government can do to specifically help that. Ofcom also has the difficult task of trying to find some fair balance between so many differing views and vested interests. However, there are some areas of shared agreement, such as in calls for more flexibility in planning and street works (e.g. flexi-permits).