Broadband competition for BT reaches 6 million

According to Ofcom there are now some 6 million unbundled lines from companies offering broadband services over the BT copper telephone network.

Openreach was set up by BT following agreement with Ofcom in 2005 that BT unbundle their broadband services to allow competitors in – BT became a broadband wholesaler.

There are now over 30 different companies offering unbundled broadband services to homes and small businesses.

Some 65% of housholds and small businesses have broadband and are paying an average of £13.61 a month for it.

Ed Richards, Ofcom Chief Executive, saif ‘In just four years unbundling has gone from a flicker on the dial to a major competitive force in telecoms. This has delivered the duel benefits of driving up broadband tak-up and driving down prices.’

Whilst the unbundling of services by BT has driven the changes outlined by Ofcom, there is a growing trend towards bundled broadband services, whereby providers such as Virgin Media, Sky and BT offer combined broadband, TV and telephone packages.

You might find our article ‘Broadband bundles – what are they and should I get one?‘ useful.