BT could open fiber ducts to competitors

As it accelerates its FTTX rollout to complete [1] it in time for the 2012 Olympic games, a report has emerged that BT might just open up its underground cabling ducts to competitors.

This move would enable BT's broadband competitors to install their own fiber cables in the ducts, thus eliminating the expense of digging up the streets to install their fibers.   

Recent reports in the Financial Times speculated [2] that BT's move could really be a way to avoid the British Conservative Party's plans to force the telco to open its ducts in the event that the political party wins this year's general election. BT's CEO immediately dismissed this idea, adding that the telco not only has agreed to open its ducts but that by doing so it will help enhance the availability of fiber based broadband to more users.

"Although it's unlikely to be the silver bullet to get fibre to every home, open access to all ducts, not just ours, might help BT and others extend coverage and so we would like to see a future government support such a move," Livingston said in a statement.

For more:
- Telegeography outlines BT's move [3]
- Financial Times chronicles political threat here [2]

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