Study highlights significant investment in UK Altnet sector
A recent report commissioned by the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) shows more than £1.76bn of private funding related to the independent sector was announced between the start of 2019 and September 2020.
The figures in the report, which was carried out by Point Topic, are not inclusive of CityFibre’s purchase of FibreNation from TalkTalk Group for £200m, and are on top of an estimated £5.7bn of private investment-related announcements already made in the sector.
INCA CEO Malcolm Corbett welcomed the findings, but warned against letting the momentum slow. He said: ‘This level of investment is really healthy for the industry and reflects how important the challenger networks are in keeping Britain connected. It also shows that the independent sector is playing a decisive role in getting as close to the government’s 2025 gigabit coverage target as possible.’
Continued Corbett: ‘To ensure that this momentum builds, it’s crucial that these operators are supported, particularly in rural areas, ensuring that the Government’s Outside-In funding policy succeeds and that all communities benefit from new digital infrastructure.’
The report is an update to the main INCA/Point Topic survey that was published in the spring of 2020.
