How independent broadband providers are changing connectivity.
The rise of independent broadband providers, often referred to as alternative networks or “altnets” is reshaping the world of connectivity. Smaller, innovative companies have a pivotal role to play when it comes to enhancing internet access, fostering competition, and challenging established monopolies. Let’s take a look at how independent broadband providers are helping to change connectivity.
Breaking the monopoly
Large national providers have dominated the market when it comes to broadband for several decades. This meant controlling services and infrastructure, with this lack of competition leading to:
• High consumer prices
• Limited innovation and slow rollout of advanced technologies, such as full-fibre
• Unequal access to high-speed internet in many rural or underserved areas
Independent providers are challenging this dynamic through the building of their own networks, and the provision of a more competitive service. When doing this they disrupt monopolistic practices and offer consumers more options.
Accelerating full fibre rollout
One of the key contributing factors of altnets is a focus on deploying full-fibre broadband. Unlike traditional Fibre-to-the-Cabinet (FTTC) services, full-fibre provides fibre-optic connections directly to properties. This offers faster, and more reliable internet with better speeds.
Independent providers can often be found at the forefront of any full fibre rollout because:
• They target those areas that are underserved and therefore overlooked by larger providers
• They specialise in agile operations, ensuring faster deployment
• They collaborate with local communities and government to expand coverage
Whilst some of them specialise in building large-scale full-fibre networks, others focus on high-density urban areas.
Reaching underserved areas
Altnets are making it possible to bridge the digital divide through the expansion of connectivity to rural and remote areas. In some regions, there has been reluctance amongst larger providers to invest in these areas because of high costs and subsequent low returns. Independent providers often use strategies that are more creative to make rural broadband feasible, this can include:
• Partnering with local communities to share costs and also responsibilities
• Using innovative technologies like fixed wireless access (FWA) to complement fibre deployment
• Looking for funding from government or grants earmarked for improving rural connectivity
By addressing these gaps, altnets are making certain that there is better access to high-speed internet.
Lowering prices and increasing value
Independent providers bring competition to the market, this is good it forces established players to consider their pricing strategies. This competition benefits consumers because it
• Offers more affordable broadband packages
• Provides higher-value services, e.g. faster speeds for the same price
• Has flexible contract terms, including short-term or no-contract options
Increased competition makes for a healthy broadband market where consumers have access to better choices and the ability to pick what is best for them rather than what is available.
Collaborating with governments and communities
To support national goals for connectivity, many altnets work closely with governments and local authorities. Initiatives like public-private partnerships and subsidised infrastructure projects give providers the ability to reach more areas and this can accelerate broadband deployment.
Through collaboration it is possible to check that investments align with regional development plans, making it possible to maximise the positive impact that comes from improved connectivity.
The connectivity landscape is being transformed by independent providers. Promoting competition, ensuring equitable access to high-speed internet, and helping to accelerate the rollout of technologies like full fibre – this approach can help them to bridge the digital divide whilst making them an important force in the industry. As these altnets continue along their path to expansion they are changing not only how people can connect to the internet but also helping to reshape the social and economic fabric of communities all over the country.
