Openreach CEO Clashes with MPs Over Push for Faster UK Fibre Rollout

Selley Calls for Permit Changes and MDU Access

Clive Selley, CEO of network access provider Openreach, is once again urging the government to help accelerate the UK’s rollout of gigabit broadband by making key legislative changes. But his pleas are meeting resistance from a cross-party group of MPs.

Openreach’s growing FTTP network currently covers around 18 million premises, with a goal of reaching 25 million by the end of 2026. The operator is investing up to £15 billion and building at a rate of 1 million premises per quarter.

MPs Push Back on “Unfair Advantage”

Despite Openreach’s progress, Selley argues more must be done. He’s advocating for full embracement of flexi-permits to streamline street works and easier access to install fibre in large residential buildings (MDUs).

However, gaining acceptance has proven difficult. Critics worry the changes could give Openreach an unfair edge over competitors.

Conservative MP Mark Francois pulled no punches in his response:

“Openreach have a bloomin’ cheek. They have already had years to install fibre networks and should really have finished the job by now. Why should long-suffering motorists have to endure more frustrating delays because Openreach can’t get the job done efficiently in the first place?”

Openreach Defends Pace of Rollout

Openreach contends that deploying fibre down nearly every UK street was always going to take over a decade, with a 10-15 year payback period. The government’s own Project Gigabit aims for 99% coverage by 2030.

The operator says it lacked the systems, processes and machinery for truly fast and efficient deployment until recent years. It was only after serious competitive threats emerged that Openreach fully resolved these issues.

Residents Caught in the Middle

As the debate rages on, many UK residents are still waiting for full fibre to reach their homes and flats.

Emma Singh, a 38-year-old nurse in East London, lives in a building with no FTTP access. “It’s frustrating being stuck with slow broadband just because the freeholder is unresponsive. I’d welcome any changes that make it easier for Openreach or others to install proper fibre here.”

Looking Ahead

The fate of Selley’s proposed amendments remains uncertain as they come up for debate in Parliament in the coming months. Even without them, most expect the government’s 2030 coverage targets to be largely achievable.

But whether underserved MDU tenants and other hard to reach premises will be able to benefit is an open question. As the UK’s fibre future unfolds, the hope is that a balance can be struck between accelerating rollout and promoting healthy competition.