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Written question asked by Chi Onwurah (Labour) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Ian Murray (Labour) on Monday, 27 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport.

Telecommunications: Infrastructure

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact of targeted wholesale discounts by Openreach on alternative network providers' investment in full-fibre infrastructure.

Answer

Ofcom, the independent regulator, is responsible for regulating the UK’s wholesale telecoms market. As part of this, it has powers to impose pricing remedies on Openreach to promote competition and protect consumers. The Government’s Statement of Strategic Priorities for Telecommunications steers Ofcom to closely monitor Openreach’s commercial terms and pricing to ensure fair competition, whilst supporting investment, economic growth and the roll out of high-quality digital infrastructure. My department engages with Ofcom regularly on matters related to this market.

On 1 June 2026, Openreach notified Ofcom of its proposed wholesale offers. This was in accordance with Ofcom’s requirement for Openreach to provide at least 120 days’ notice of wholesale discounts. To inform its assessment of the offers, Ofcom has published a Call for Inputs to determine whether the discounts raise any competition concerns and is expected to reach a decision after the summer.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
17989
Session
2026-27
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Infrastructure Telecommunications Openreach
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk