Ofcom has today issued a new consultation on the wholesale broadband market, which proposes to remove "regulatory obligations in areas of the country where strong competition is now a reality":


Naturally areas where competition is still weak, such as in Hull where KCom remains the dominant operator, will still be protected. The same can also be said for BT in several smaller regions.

Ofcom's rules require KCOM and BT to open their networks for other providers on a fair and equivalent basis while providing a wholesale product on which retail services can be built.

Meanwhile 64.4% of UK premises exist in areas where there is plenty of choice and as a result Ofcom proposes to remove regulation currently imposed upon BT in this market. The consultation will be open until 7th February 2008.