BT hinders rivals' next-generation rollouts

Network investment affected by BT 21CN rollout

BT's 21CN rollout changes could affect rival next-generation network rollouts

Some of BT's rivals have complained to Ofcom that they may be unable to plan some future investments effectively, owing to BT stepping back from its original 21st Century Network (21CN) rollout plan.

BT's 21CN project was meant to move its customers from the analogue public switched telephone network to a full Internet Protocol (IP) system.

The comments were made in the concluding statement of one of UK communications regulator Ofcom's consultations entitled "Next Generation Networks: Responding to recent developments to protect consumers, promote effective competition and secure efficient investment."

In the statement some rivals complained: "Investments they have made in anticipation of BT’s 21CN rollout plans may now prove ineffective".

Ofcom pointed out that BT had recently stepped back from its original 21CN rollout plan which looked for nationwide deployment in a configuration that would deliver both [IP] voice and data services from a single platform. BT have completed the backend of their 21CN network.

In the consultation conclusion's statement, Ofcom explained that BT’s investment plans were important to the investment plans of other operators and should be made public going forward.

Ofcom also said: "The history of changes to BT’s plan of record are a source of potential concern, and it would be helpful if the plan of record in future could contain BT’s assessment of the key risks to the investments it forecasts. "