Statement: Promoting competition and investment in fibre networks – Measures to support Openreach's trial in Salisbury

Statement published 29 January 2020

To facilitate the Salisbury trial, we have decided to limit the application of our current rules which require Openreach to provide wholesale access to standard and superfast broadband on its copper network. In Salisbury, where fibre is available, Openreach will no longer be required to provide new copper services when customers move house, change service or switch provider. Instead, it will be able to offer broadband over its fibre network only.

We have also decided to allow Openreach to vary some of its charges to encourage participation in the Salisbury and Mildenhall trials.

These amendments will apply only to the Salisbury and Mildenhall trials and for a limited time. Our rules will continue to apply in full elsewhere in the UK. We will also be working with industry to put appropriate safeguards in place for the protection of vulnerable customers during the trials.

The statement sets out our decision to make the changes proposed in the consultation below, and also a related consultation published in November 2019.