Openreach

Openreach is a division of telecoms firm British Telecom (BT) that provides wholesale access to the firm's network for other internet service providers (ISPs).

The division exists due to BT's position as a former state-owned utility, which effectively handed it a nationwide infrastructure that other service providers would be unable to replicate or compete with.

Because of this, BT was compelled to open up its network to other ISPs, and new provisions are being introduced to ensure other aspects of its network, including ducts and poles, can be accessed to a price agreeable to both sides.

Nevertheless, many small firms claim Openreach does not give value for money and that BT is unfairly favoured by Ofcom, which sets the pricing for this access.