TalkTalk accuses Ofcom of dodging BT Openreach decision after digital review demands better access for rivals, sending BT’s share price soaring
TalkTalk boss Dido Harding has slammed Ofcom for “kicking the Openreach can down the road”, after the telecoms regulator decided not to split off the infrastructure arm from BT.
Ofcom yesterday released the results of its once-a-decade industry review that stopped short of demanding Openreach be hived off from BT, but said the option was still on the table.
The communications watchdog went as far as to say BT must open up its cable network to rivals, including TalkTalk, Sky and Vodafone.
The decision sparked concerns that the regulator will not follow through with its promises.
“It is a worry that Ofcom won’t deliver,” Harding told City PM
“Ofcom had a chance to make a massive change in the sector and have bottled it,” said Liberal Democrat leader Tim Farron.
Ofcom has made similar promises to force BT to open up its network to rivals in the past.
“I don’t think it changes much from a big picture perspective,” said James Barford, head of telecoms at Enders Analysis.
Investors hailed the decision as a victory for BT, sending its share price up by almost five per cent.
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