In a move to prevent consumer confusion, UK telecom regulators have restricted the use of the term ‘fibre’ in broadband advertising.
- From now on, providers must specify if their offerings are ‘full-fibre’, ‘part-fibre’, ‘copper’, or ‘cable’ networks.
- The decision aims to enhance transparency and ensure accurate representation of network capabilities to consumers.
- This regulation reflects the growing availability of full-fibre networks in the UK, now accessible to over half of UK homes.
- Industry leaders, such as G.Network, welcome these measures, supporting a fair and informed consumer market.
The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, has instituted a new regulation prohibiting the use of the word ‘fibre’ by broadband providers unless they specify the type of network technology employed. This decision seeks to eliminate misleading advertising practices and provide clarity to consumers regarding the specifics of their internet service.
Providers are now required to differentiate between a ‘full-fibre’ network, which uses fibre-optic cables from the exchange directly to the home, and a ‘part-fibre’ network, which involves fibre-optic connections only up to the street cabinet, with the final link to the home made via copper wires.
These terms must be clearly communicated at the initial point of sale, within contract details, and through comprehensive consumer explanations to ensure that users fully understand their broadband service’s technological underpinnings.
Ofcom’s recent data indicates that full-fibre networks are now available to 52% of UK households, equating to approximately 15.4 million homes. The expansion of these networks is driven by major operators like BT Openreach along with smaller regional providers.
Kevin Murphy, CEO at G.Network, has expressed approval of the new regulations. He highlights that the enforcement of clear terminology aligns with the company’s dedication to delivering genuine full-fibre services and supports consumer decision-making based on transparent and accurate information about broadband capabilities.
These regulatory measures by Ofcom are anticipated to foster an environment of transparency and informed decision-making in the UK’s broadband market.
