Ofcom eases UK broadband

UK telecommunications regulator Ofcom has unveiled proposals designed to encourage and speed the rollout of high capacity VoIP traffic broadband networks across the UK.

Currently, 46 per cent of UK households have access to super-fast broadband, enabling easy VoIP, video calling and a host of other applications.

To speed the rollout, Ofcom is proposing that BT opens up its underground ducts, overhead telegraph poles and fibre lines to stimulate competition and, hopefully, a surge in the rate of broadband deployment across the country.

Ofcom hopes that the increased competition among rival firms will accelerate broadband deployment while keeping a downward pressure on consumer broadband prices.

The UK's plans for an advanced broadband network will vary depending on which party takes power, but both have named UK broadband as a priority.