Open invitation for broadband

TELECOMS watchdog Ofcom wants BT to share its poles and underground ducts to speed the roll-out of superfast broadband.

BT already offers rivals access to share new fibre-optic lines, but Ofcom wants it to open up existing infrastructure to increase opportunities and competition.

Rival providers could then lay their own fibre-optic cables without having to dig up pavements.

Ofcom chief Ed Richards said: "Super-fast broadband is starting to be a reality in the UK. Ofcom intends to promote investment, competition and innovation for the next phase of development."

BT said it was willing to open up its ducts but added: "Access is unlikely to be the 'silver bullet' to get fibre to rural areas."