Ofcom’s consultation on an Openreach pricing offer for full-fibre broadband, known as Equinox 2, closed on 4 March 2023.

Ofcom says that it has received several detailed responses to the consultation, some of which raised issues that require further assessment. Ofcom had originally planned to publish a final decision on the consultation by the end of March 2023, but it now anticipates that it will take a further two months to undertake this further analysis and issue its final decision.

The Equinox 2 offer is due to launch on 1 April 2023. To provide certainty and stability for industry, Ofcom’s view is that it would not be appropriate for the offer to launch until it has issued its final decision. Ofcom says that it is considering issuing a Direction to Openreach, using its powers under the Communications Act 2003, to achieve this, unless Openreach voluntarily defers the launch of the offer. For further information, click here.