July 20, 2020

The Hull Area accounts for around 0.7% (around 200,000) of the UK’s premises, and people here benefit from the availability of KCOM’s full-fibre network. However, KCOM has a near monopoly at both the wholesale and retail level.

Ofcom believes there is now a better prospect of competing providers entering the Hull Area, which ultimately should result in more retail choice and lower retail prices for customers. Therefore, Ofcom is proposing to focus its regulation on encouraging retail competition. This includes ensuring competitors continue to have access to KCOM’s network on fair and reasonable terms, but also by making improvements to the existing wholesale access arrangements. Ofcom’s consultation sets outs how Ofcom plans to regulate KCOM during the above period.

The consultation closes on 24 September 2020. Ofcom intends to publish its decisions before the new regulation takes effect in April 2021. To access the consultation, click here.