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Latest Key Developments

Net Neutrality – Ofcom UK Softens Open Internet Safeguards UPDATE2

21st Oct, 2022 (7 Comments)

Ofcom has today published new proposals to soften some of the UK’s existing Net Neutrality protection rules, which were established some years ago to ensure no serious blocking or slowing of access to legal websites or other internet services by broadband ISPs and mobile network operators. But there are some positive statements too.

Gov Hands Huawei Legal Notices to UK Mobile and Broadband ISPs

13th Oct, 2022 (15 Comments)

The Government has today placed their previous decision to BAN Huawei’s equipment from ultrafast 5G mobile networks (including restrictions on its use in full fibre broadband infrastructure) on more of a legal footing, which it has done by issuing legal notices to 35 telecoms network operators.

Labour Party Promises Mandatory Social Broadband ISP Tariffs

13th Oct, 2022 (40 Comments)

The UK Labour Party has proposed a new policy that would, if they won the next election, see them introduce a mandatory “industry-wide” social tariff for cheaper broadband (available to those on benefits). On top of that, they would also stop mid-contract price hikes by ISPs and reduce early termination charges for contract leavers.

Government Set to Raise Value of UK Gigabit Broadband Vouchers

10th Oct, 2022 (8 Comments)

The Government’s Building Digital UK (BDUK) team has informed ISPs of several forthcoming changes to their Gigabit Broadband Voucher Scheme (GBVS), which helps those in rural areas to get a gigabit-capable internet connection installed. The big news is that the maximum voucher values are to be increased.

Ofcom Autumn 2022 Study – UK Gigabit Broadband Hits 68% Cover

7th Oct, 2022 (14 Comments)

Ofcom’s autumn 2022 report into fixed broadband and mobile coverage has found that “full fibre” (FTTP) now reaches 37% of the UK, while 20.2 million homes (68%) are within reach of a gigabit-capable network and 48-64% of premises can now get outdoor 5G coverage by at least one operator.

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BDUK’s New Batch of Gigabit Broadband Coverage Reviews Adds Urban Regions

5th Oct, 2022 (11 Comments)

The Government’s (DCMS) Building Digital UK team has published a new batch of Public Reviews (PR) for their £5bn Project Gigabit broadband rollout, which covers a total of nine contractable regions in England, such as Dorset, Greater London, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, Newcastle, Birmingham and more.

Mobile Giant Vodafone Confirms Merger Talks with Three UK

3rd Oct, 2022 (70 Comments)

After months of speculation, mobile network operator Vodafone UK has today confirmed that they are officially in “discussions” with Three UK’s parent (CK Hutchison Holdings) about the possibility of a merger. Such a deal would give the combined business the “necessary scale” to boost their 5G rollout and “expand” rural broadband connectivity.

Ofcom Asks Broadband ISPs to Halt Price Hikes and Offer Social Tariffs

29th Sep, 2022 (21 Comments)

Ofcom has revealed that 29% of UK households (8 million) – double last year’s 15% – are still having problems paying their phone, broadband and TV bills. In response, they’ve called on major ISPs to reconsider annual price hikes and ordered TalkTalk, Shell Energy, EE, Plusnet and Vodafone to introduce “social tariffs as soon as possible“.

GoFibre Win Project Gigabit Broadband Rollout Contract for Teesdale

29th Sep, 2022 (3 Comments)

The second Local Supplier contract under the UK Government’s new £5bn Project Gigabit broadband scheme – worth £6.6m – has today been awarded to rural ISP GoFibre (BorderLink), which will upgrade broadband for more than 4,000 hard-to-reach Teesdale premises in Northern England.

Growth Plan Hints at Planning Changes to Boost Gigabit Broadband

23rd Sep, 2022 (13 Comments)

The UK Chancellor, Kwasi Kwarteng, has today published a new Growth Plan 2022, which proposes to “liberate the private sector” by encouraging investment (i.e. removing barriers to the flow of private capital) and boosting infrastructure by “liberalising the planning system and streamlining consultation and approval requirements“.

Gov Finalise Rules Mandating Gigabit Broadband for New Build Homes

23rd Sep, 2022 (8 Comments)

The UK Government has issued their response to last year’s technical consultation on changes to the existing ‘Building Regulations 2010‘, which sets out their final position on the legal framework for making it mandatory for property developers to ensure that new build homes are constructed with support for faster broadband.

BT Faces Major 4 Day UK Strike and 999 Call Handlers Join Them UPDATE

22nd Sep, 2022 (44 Comments)

The Communications Workers Union has just upped the ante in its pay dispute with broadband and telecoms giant BT (including Openreach) by announcing a third round of national strikes, which have been staggered to hit the operator over four days. But worryingly, the next strike will include hundreds of 999 emergency call handlers.

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Ofcom UK Confirm Small Bundles Tweak to Broadband Speed Code

21st Sep, 2022 (11 Comments)

Ofcom has confirmed that they will update their 2019 voluntary Code of Practice for Broadband ISP Speeds, which among other things will extend the current “Right to Exit” (i.e. when an ISP fails to correct a speed problem) so that it applies to more aspects of a service bundle. The changes will go live on 21st December 2022.

Adverts Watchdog Tackles UK Mid-Contract Telecoms Price Hikes

8th Sep, 2022 (8 Comments)

The Committees of Advertising Practice (CAP and BCAP) – sister body to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) – has launched a consultation on new guidance that would require information about mid-contract prices hikes to be more prominently stated in ads by broadband ISPs and mobile operators to “avoid misleading consumers“.

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Prime Minister Liz Truss Commits to “Faster” UK Broadband Build

7th Sep, 2022 (23 Comments)

The new UK Prime Minister, Liz Truss, yesterday entered 10 Downing Street – after replacing Boris Johnson in the post – by acknowledging that “we need to build roads, homes and broadband faster” than they have been doing so far. But it remains to be seen whether that statement is more than just a sound bite.

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New UK Telecoms and Internet Security Code to Go Live in October

30th Aug, 2022 (2 Comments)

The UK Government has announced that network providers (e.g. broadband ISPs and mobile operators) will become subject to new regulations – under the Telecommunications (Security) Act – from 1st Oct 2022, which aside from restricting the use of Huawei, will also impose changes to make networks safer from cyberattack.

Gov Issue Summer 2022 Update on UK Project Gigabit Broadband Rollout

30th Aug, 2022 (5 Comments)

The Government’s Building Digital UK (BDUK) programme has today published the latest quarterly Summer 2022 update for their £5bn Project Gigabit broadband rollout scheme, which reveals that they’ve launched new procurements in Hampshire and Shropshire, but are struggling in Staffordshire and Hertfordshire.