Metrics for the UK Independent Network Sector Report 2025
- Point Topic
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
Produced in partnership with Independent Networks Co-operative Association (INCA), the 'Metrics for the UK Independent Network Sector' report, sets out a series of key figures which illustrate the continuing growth and successes of the sector, alongside some of the central concerns occupying the minds of Altnet leaders over the last year.
Summary
The UK’s independent (Altnet) operators1 remained resilient during the year, increasing their full network coverage by 27% year-on-year to reach 16.4 million premises at the end-2024.
Despite challenging market conditions, high global inflation, soaring energy and resource costs, combined Altnet full fibre footprints covering cities, towns, and villages across the UK are keeping pace with Openreach’s 17.1 million premises at the close of 2024.
Almost three quarters of a million customers decided to switch to an Altnet during 2024 leading to 2.7 million live connections (35% growth year-on-year) to independent fixed networks provided by full fibre gigabit capable connections.
With economic turbulence causing private investment into the sector to scale back, Altnets will require the Government’s continued support to attract investment and reach the network coverage targets they have set for 2030. We expect the regulator to deliver a fair competitive marketplace, delivered via its Telecoms Access Review 2026 (TAR26).
Strategic mergers and acquisitions may become crucial for smaller players due to the economic climate, but Ofcom sees this almost as a regulatory necessity. In its TAR26 Consultation Document the regulator views smaller Altnet consolidation into larger independent players as key to its regulatory framework for them to provide the necessary level of competition to rival that of Openreach.
For the second consecutive year, access to finance—combined with the broader economic outlook—remains the leading concern among Altnet operators. With rising interest rates and ongoing inflationary pressures, many providers are finding it harder to secure the capital they need to scale networks and maintain operations.
Unsurprisingly, Ofcom’s upcoming Telecoms Access Review (TAR26) has surged up the list of concerns, rising five places to take the second spot. With 70% of respondents highlighting potential risks from the review’s outcome, there is a risk that the resulting framework could introduce further challenges to Altnet sustainability—particularly if it weakens competitive protections or entrenches incumbent advantages.
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