The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has announced a new regulation that prohibits telecom companies from using ‘fibre’ to describe broadband services where it does not apply to full-fibre networks.
- Ofcom’s decision aims to reduce consumer confusion caused by misleading terminology in broadband service marketing.
- The regulator mandates that ‘full-fibre’ should only reference networks utilizing fiber-optic cables to the home.
- Providers must distinguish between full-fibre, part-fibre, copper, and cable networks in their service descriptions.
- This enforcement seeks to enhance transparency, enabling consumers to make informed choices about their broadband services.
The UK communications regulator, Ofcom, has implemented a significant change in how broadband services can be marketed. Telecom companies are now forbidden from using the term ‘fibre’ in their advertisements unless it accurately describes a full-fibre network. This measure has been introduced to mitigate consumer confusion arising from inconsistent use of the term ‘fibre’ by service providers.
The term ‘full-fibre’ is specifically reserved for networks that use fibre-optic cables to connect the exchange directly to a customer’s home. Conversely, ‘part-fibre’ describes a network where fibre-optic cables run only to the local street cabinet, after which a copper wire typically completes the connection to the home. By clarifying these terms, Ofcom intends to ensure that consumers understand the technical nature of the broadband service they purchase.
In its announcement, Ofcom emphasized the need for transparency at all stages of the purchasing process. Providers are required to clearly specify the type of network technology being offered, both on their websites and in contractual documents, before the completion of a sale. This disclosure must extend to contract summaries to ensure there is no ambiguity about the nature of the service being sold.
Statistics from Ofcom reveal that more than half of UK households, approximately 52% or 15.4 million homes, now have access to full-fibre services. The rapid deployment of gigabit-capable broadband continues to grow, with about 75%, or 22.4 million UK homes, having access to such high-speed internet services.
G.Network CEO, Kevin Murphy, expressed approval of the new regulations, highlighting that they will aid consumers in making well-informed decisions and recognizing the value of genuine full-fibre broadband connections. This sentiment reflects the broader goals of Ofcom to align market practices with consumer interests through increased transparency and accuracy.
These measures are expected to foster an informed consumer base and enhance market transparency.
