KCOM deal opens broadband infrastructure to rivals

Other broadband providers will be able to apply to share KCOM's underground network from Friday

Telecoms firm KCOM has announced a "long-overdue" deal allowing other companies to share its underground full-fibre network in a move that could increase consumer choice in Hull and parts of East Yorkshire.

From Friday, a Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) product will allow other providers to apply to use KCOM's infrastructure to roll out their own fibre networks.

KCOM managing director Jan Collins said Hull now had a "thriving broadband sector" and that the deal would lead to broadband being delivered "efficiently and without undue disruption to residents".

MPs had previously raised residents' concerns over competitors putting up new poles to carry broadband fibre to homes and businesses, and other street disruption.

KCOM said the deal marked "a long-term solution" to "develop a practical and effective way" to share its infrastructure "on fair and reasonable terms".

However, Connexin CEO Furqan Alamgir said the region had long been "dominated by a broadband monopoly" and that his firm had invested in a new full-fibre network "because the option to use KCOM's existing infrastructure simply did not exist in practice, despite what was often claimed".

Guy Miller, chief executive of MS3 Networks, described the KCOM deal as a "long-overdue development".

"MS3 is reviewing whether the commercial variations to the national PIA product provided by Openreach are too significant to overcome, or whether this product will be sufficient to avoid future infrastructure overbuild, something we all hope is the case," he added.

Protests have been held in East Yorkshire over the installation of new broadband poles

Last January, a meeting held by MPs called for broadband companies in East Yorkshire including KCOM, MS3 and Connexin to work together after residents were upset about poles put up near their homes.

Operators can install poles without having to apply to councils for planning permission, following a change to the law in April 2022.

MPs hope that the new deal will reduce disruption

Emma Hardy, MP for Hull West and Haltemprice, said the deal was "a positive step forward for our city".

"This could help to reduce the need for duplicate poles and street disruption while opening the door to greater competition and choice for consumers," she added.

Sir David Davis, MP for Goole and Pocklington, added: "All MPs across the area have worked together to apply pressure, resulting in today's announcement of a collaborative, sensible approach to infrastructure sharing."

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