Ofcom pushes next-gen broadband dialogue

Ofcom aims to set out details of the regulatory framework for super-fast broadband in September.

The regulator said that because the investment needed to bring about the next generation of broadband networks is so vast, operators needed to know as soon as possible what rules would be in place.

Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said that the level of interest from providers has now reached a stage where the industry must get together to start talking about the critical issues.

He said Ofcom will provide an important forum for debating and resolving these key issues with industry and he has written to the leading chief executive officers in the communications sector to begin the dialogue.

"Our position is clear. Ofcom favours a regulatory environment for the next generation of networks and access that both allows and encourages operators to make risky investments, to innovate for the benefit of consumers and, if the risks pay off, for the benefit of their shareholders too.

“We want investment in a competitive environment. It is encouraging that cable is now talking about seriously rolling out their next generation high bandwidth product at the end of the summer.

“The emerging success and rapid take-up of mobile broadband will provide a further spur to the fixed line operators to upgrade to next generation high bandwidth products to differentiate themselves competitively to consumers," he said.