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Alternative network providers in the UK have given their backing to proposals to create a common platform for the country's broadband connectivity that would allow them to provide wholesale services to third-party providers.
According to a survey conducted by the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA), nearly nine out of ten providers (88.7 per cent) agreed that this would be beneficial for the UK's full fibre broadband rollout.
The organisation claimed the creation of a wholesale broadband market could allow an additional 11 million homes and businesses around the country to be connected to high-speed networks by 2025.
While there are a large number of altnet broadband providers operating in the UK, the fragmented nature of the market can make it more confusing for customers to make a decision, while larger players still have an advantage in terms of reach and visibility.
The creation of a common platform would therefore enable groups of independent network providers to come together and offer a competitive alternative to the larger companies that currently dominate the market.
Its aim would be to ensure broadband providers have more options to deliver their services over challenger networks, and to make it as simple as possible for them to achieve this.
Chief executive of INCA Malcolm Corbett said: "For some time, it has been presumed that challenger independent providers do not have the scale to attract major brands like TalkTalk and Sky. However, that is changing rapidly and our research shows that the operators are keen to work together on a wholesale platform that can bridge the gap in the market."
INCA also observed that while the fallout of full fibre networks across the UK is growing rapidly - with altnet providers increasing their deployments by 50 per cent in the last 12 months to reach 1.2 million premises - there is still a long way to go.
The organisation noted that only around one in ten premises are currently covered with full fibre broadband, while a large percentage of 'gigabit-capable' homes are set to be connected via Virgin Media's cable network, highlighting the need for more competition in the market.
