Fixed price regulations on unrestricted access will spark greater levels of competition, says CEO Malcolm Corbett
London, UK, 8 July, 2019 – The Independent Networks Co-operative Association (INCA) has welcomed Ofcom’s decision which removes restrictions on the use of BT’s ducts and poles in the Physical Infrastructure Market Review.
The move to remove the usage and geographic scope restrictions, announced on June 28, aims to improve the attractiveness of the PIA product and help independent operators to build new networks more cost effectively.
“The decision by Ofcom to open up access to BT’s physical infrastructure gives our members a renewed opportunity to expand their networks further and more cost-effectively than before,” said Malcolm Corbett, CEO at INCA. “While passive infrastructure access is not a ‘silver bullet’ for reducing costs in all network builds, it is a useful part of the toolkit for an increasing number of INCA members. Consequently, Ofcom’s decision to remove usage restrictions makes a lot of sense.”
Industry players will discuss the full range of policy and regulatory measures designed to support competitive investment in digital infrastructure at INCA’s Annual Conference, #theRoadAhead, which takes place at the Mercure Manchester Piccadilly Hotel on Wednesday, October 16 and Thursday, October 17. The conference agenda will feature a Tech Showcase, Investor Workshop, a Rural Workshop, plus sessions on the development of independent fibre and wireless operators, and the key policy and regulatory issues.
Nominations for the INCA Golds Awards are also open for entry in an array of categories that recognise the work being carried out by independent operators in the UK towards future-proofing the country’s digital infrastructure. The winners of eight categories including Technical Innovation, Commercial Innovation, Urban Impact, Rural Impact, Best Community Project, Best Public Sector Impact, Outstanding Contribution by an Organisation and Outstanding Contribution by an Individual will collect a prestigious trophy at the inaugural INCA Golds awards.
To register to attend the Annual Conference, please visit: https://www.inca.coop/civicrm/event/register?id=135&reset=1.