BT Opernreach Spilt

Shadow culture secretary Chris Bryant has called for a BT-Openreach split in order to improve broadband and mobile services across the UK. Bryant is one of many who have called for BT to split from Openreach over the past few months, including competitors Vodafone and Sky.

Openreach was created in 2006 following an agreement between Ofcom and BT to ensure competitors had equal access to BT’s local networks.  However, many have complained that Openreach prioritises BT’s interests and customers over those of other providers, and offer shoddy service or long delays.

In an article published on the Telegraph website, Bryant highlights the importance of fast broadband for businesses as well as individuals across the country. He writes: ‘[Broadband’s] not an added extra anymore; it’s essential for every aspect of our lives and the economy.’ As important as broadband is, especially as more and more of us are shopping, dating, and even paying our taxes online, fast connection remains a pipe dream for those living in rural areas of the UK. Many areas lack even mobile coverage.

While this month, the Department for Culture, Media & Sport have announced fast connection coming to rural England, Wales and Scotland, Bryant criticises the current Government’s rolling out of internet services as ‘too slow, too late’.

Bryant surmises saying: ‘Ofcom’s review should work on the presumption that Openreach should be split from the rest of BT unless their review produces conclusive evidence to the contrary. At the very least Openreach should be held accountable for its poor quality of service – the delays for repairs, the missed appointments, the months of waiting to switch providers.’

The question remains whether a BT-Openreach split would have the desired effect of improving broadband and mobile services across the UK. BT argue: ‘our ambitious plans for ultra-fast broadband depend on BT remaining intact.’

Ofcom are expected to reach a decision over this matter by the end of the year.