The key for a gigabit-capable UK is managing overbuild

Connecting everyone to full fibre is imperative. Fortunately a few privately funded infrastructure providers are proving that they can build out gigabit-capable networks in harder to reach areas of the country – and still make a profit. This is a sensible strategy, filling in the gaps left by the big guys that are more focused on cabling up our towns and cities.

 

The danger, though, is that taxpayers’ money will ultimately be wasted on unnecessary overbuilding by large players in these rural areas. Government, Ofcom and the industry must work together to ensure that it is not.

 

 

Making full fibre accessible in every corner of the UK will allow us to build and nurture a larger, more inclusive digital economy and boost our position on the world stage. Rural firms will have access to the same infrastructure as their urban counterparts, while a new generation of entrepreneurs will choose to set up digital businesses far from the madding crowd.

 

This will set in motion a much-needed rebalancing of the urban/rural divide as people leave our over-crowded cities to live and work in thriving rural communities underpinned by gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure.

 

 

People are becoming far more savvy about full fibre – and a lot more tuned in to the difference between actual versus promised broadband speeds. We will consequently see a growing stream of disgruntled broadband customers demanding that their provider step up and deliver on the speeds they are paying for.

 

A more educated consumer base will lead to more robust guidelines around broadband advertising – and a reduction in the misleading promotional activity that has been a blot on our industry for far too long.

 

There will be a growing realisation that the full fibre rollout is a long way behind schedule and should have already been completed.