What is the Openreach network?

Dan Howdle • February 21st, 2025

You have seen the vans driving around, but what exactly is Openreach? If you get broadband from a provider other than Virgin Media, such as Sky, Plusnet, TalkTalk, or almost any other, your service is provided using the Openreach network of cables and exchanges. Openreach is the hidden hand behind the infrastructure required for most UK broadband providers to deliver their service to your home.

We will take a look at what Openreach is and how it works. We will also dive into the history behind the company and explore the current landscape, answering any questions you may have about what Openreach does and its role in the future of UK broadband.

What is Openreach?

If your broadband is supplied via a phone line, then odds-on you are using the Openreach network, regardless of which internet service provider you use. Openreach is a subsidiary of BT that runs the network infrastructure part of the business. Openreach installs and maintains all the cabling, street cabinets, and connections to the local exchanges. However, you do not need to be a BT customer to be using its network of cables. Most broadband providers, with the exception of Virgin Media, use the Openreach network to get broadband into your home.

Openreach is currently focused on rolling out its Full Fibre (fibre-to-the-premises, or FTTP) network, which delivers ultrafast broadband directly to homes and businesses without relying on older copper cables. This shift means that many Openreach-based providers now offer speeds that rival or exceed those of Virgin Media. Full Fibre connections provide speeds up to 10Gbps (though the fastest currently offered on the network is 1.6Gbps), offering a significant improvement in speed, reliability, and future-proofing compared to older technologies.

History of Openreach

Openreach was established in 2006 as part of a wider regulatory effort to increase competition in the UK's telecommunications market. Prior to its creation, BT controlled both the infrastructure and the retail side of its broadband business, which led to concerns over fair access for other providers. Following pressure from MPs, BT's competitors, and a review by the telecoms regulator Ofcom, Openreach was separated from BT's retail operations, although it remains a subsidiary of BT Group.

Originally, MPs called for BT to sell off the network part of the company entirely. However, due to the complexities involved—such as long-term covenants and responsibilities, including staff pensions—a full sell-off was deemed impractical. Instead, Openreach was made into a separate entity that operates independently and is regulated by Ofcom to provide fair access to all broadband providers.

Since its launch, Openreach has played a critical role in the expansion of broadband across the UK. Initially, the focus was on ADSL and later on fibre-to-the-cabinet (FTTC) technologies, which provided faster speeds but still relied on copper cables for the final connection to homes. However, with the growing demand for faster and more reliable internet, Openreach has shifted its focus to Full Fibre (FTTP). This investment in full-fibre infrastructure is set to transform the UK's broadband landscape, providing gigabit-capable broadband to millions of homes and businesses.

Alternatives to the Openreach network

For most people in the UK, the only alternatives to Openreach are either Virgin Media or 4G/5G broadband over a mobile network. There are, however, some other options, specific to certain areas or criteria. Let’s take a look at some of them.

• Virgin Media – Virgin Media still operates the UK’s largest alternative broadband network. While Openreach's Full Fibre rollout has made speeds more competitive, Virgin Media has now introduced speeds up to 2Gbps in select areas. If Virgin is available where you live, it’s worth checking speeds to compare
• 4G/5G mobile broadband – Mobile broadband can be a strong alternative, especially with the expansion of 5G. Some providers now offer 5G home broadband with speeds comparable to Full Fibre, making it an option for those who don’t want or can’t get a fixed-line connection
• Satellite broadband – Starlink has significantly improved satellite broadband, offering speeds over 200Mbps with lower latency than traditional satellite services. It remains a last-resort option, but for rural homes where Openreach and Virgin Media don’t reach, it’s becoming more viable
• CityFibre – A fast-growing alternative, CityFibre is rolling out its own Full Fibre network across various UK cities. It provides the network for ISPs like Vodafone, TalkTalk, and Zen Internet, and now covers over 3 million premises with more expansion planned
• Hyperoptic – Focuses on delivering Full Fibre to new-build flats and apartment buildings. It offers gigabit speeds with no reliance on Openreach’s network, but availability is limited to specific urban locations
• Gigaclear – Aimed at rural communities, Gigaclear provides Full Fibre broadband to areas that Openreach and Virgin Media often overlook. Its coverage is still expanding, so it’s worth checking availability
• Community Fibre – A London-based provider delivering Full Fibre broadband in select areas of the capital. It offers ultrafast speeds and competitive pricing but isn’t available outside London

The Future of Openreach

Openreach is at the forefront of the UK's transition to full-fibre broadband, which is critical for supporting the increasing digital demands of homes and businesses. The company has set ambitious targets, including the goal of reaching 25 million premises with FTTP by 2026. This full-fibre network will be essential for supporting emerging technologies, such as smart homes, cloud computing, and 5G backhaul, ensuring the UK remains competitive in the global digital economy.

As Openreach continues its rollout, consumers can expect significant improvements in broadband speed and reliability. The shift to Full Fibre also positions Openreach as a leader in the global race for ultrafast broadband. However, challenges remain, particularly in ensuring that rural and underserved areas receive the same level of service as urban centers. Openreach’s ongoing investment in infrastructure, coupled with government support and competition from other providers, will be key to achieving nationwide high-speed broadband coverage.