Kieran Smith

In January 2020, before the Covid-19 pandemic sparked a work-from-home revolution, only 12 per cent of UK properties had access to superfast full-fibre broadband, according to the communications regulator Ofcom. This meant many customers had to contend with slow internet speeds or an unreliable service. Five years on, that figure has skyrocketed to more than 78 per cent, according to ThinkBroadband, an independent online resource, closer in line with many countries in Europe. This stunning growth can be traced back to a key decision made by Ofcom, experts say.

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr warned European allies hesitant about working with Elon Musk’s satellite internet company that they needed to choose between US and Chinese technology.

Sky has reiterated its commitment to providing broadband services using CityFibre’s network, as the UK’s largest altnet races to secure £1.5 billion of fresh capital. Sky met with lenders to CityFibre, including NatWest and ING, to confirm it would be moving some of its customers to CityFibre’s network in 2025. Sky has 5.7 million broadband customers. Like many rivals, it does not have its own infrastructure but uses BT’s Openreach network. The partnership with CityFibre, which has its own independent broadband network, would allow it to diversify its customer base.

The UK is on the road to having a truly competitive broadband market within six years as other providers dilute the influence of its largest player, the country’s telecommunications regulator has indicated.