Ofcom's proposals to make Openreach a distinct company within the BT Group do not address the regulator's objective to reduce the country's dependence on Openreach and encourage essential investment in fibre, according to Mark Collins, Director Strategy & Policy at CityFibre.
"While correctly identifying Openreach as the principal source of the industry's dysfunction, it is hypocritical of Ofcom to focus on a restructured Openreach as a panacea," he said.
"Further debate and navel-gazing as to the appropriate structure of BT will continue to create a period of uncertainty at a time when the industry needs clarity, direction and competitive investment.
"Openreach has a critical role to play, but it is not prudent to entrust them with sole responsibility for our digital future."