TPRC 2024: The 52nd Research Conference on Communications, Information and Inter

Link to paper

Abstract:
‘Altnets’ – networks other than Openreach or Virgin Media – are playing a key role in the rollout of FTTP networks in the UK. Supported by significant levels of investment, more than 100 companies are active in the market through a plurality of business models. Despite the key role that they are playing, they have largely been overlooked. To counter this, an exploratory approach is adopted in this paper. The analysis illustrates the range of business models that have been adopted by altnets, which vary by their geographical scale (national/regional) and market focus (wholesale/retail). It also draws attention to how altnets compete, which is based on a combination of broadband speeds and price, and the impact of overbuilding on their viability. The analysis also explores how consolidation within the market will impact on its structure.