switchandgive.com - Opening access to BT's pipes and ducts 'has money-saving benefits'

Broadband comparison customers could eventually save money on their internet deals if BT opens up access to its pipes and ducts, an expert has implied.

Andrew Ferguson, editor of a broadband advice website, said the next set of talks about unlocking the company's poles and ducting access has two benefits.

The first, "direct to the home access for fibre over BT's poles/ducting, or partial fibre as in FTTC [fibre-to-the-cabinet]", would improve local access speeds.

Secondly, opening access could "make it cheaper for [broadband] providers to extend the reach of their national fibre backbones, which they can use to subsequently sell capacity on".

Mr Ferguson's comments follow industry regulator Ofcom's announcement that opening up access to BT's pipes and ducts would encourage greater investment in next-generation broadband networks.

Chief executive Ed Richards commented that a requirement on BT to unlock access is the next important step in giving "other communications providers as much control over the service provided to end users as possible".

If you want help in comparing broadband suppliers and finding the right deal for you, click here.
ADNFCR-659-ID-800287038-ADNFCR

Choose your best broadband package
Compare broadband packages

To compare broadband packages and find your best deal