Industry news

Broadband market deregulated

Ofcom has deregulated nearly 70 per cent of the UK's broadband wholesale market, it has emerged.

The regulator has lifted restrictions it placed on BT to offer wholesale broadband at a capped price to other operators.

Its restrictions - aimed at allowing other providers to enter the market in a competitive way - were removed because there are now more than four broadband providers in the country.

Ed Richards, Ofcom chief executive, said: "This is a major step forward in the UK broadband market reflecting the success we have had in promoting effective competition."

He added that it shows the regulator's determination to consistently "deregulate wherever we can" for public interest.

Now it is important to build on these foundations and see a competitive market emerge for "next-generation access as well", he concluded.

It was reported earlier in the week that the soaring popularity of the BBC's iPlayer is driving bandwidth demand.

BBC figures showed programmes streamed on the TV on demand service rose by 20 per cent in April compared to the previous month.