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<p>In 2018, the government published the Future Telecoms Infrastructure Review (FTIR),
which set out our strategy to deliver nationwide gigabit-capable broadband. Central
to this strategy is our desire to see a regulatory system which incentivises competition
and investment in UK fixed telecoms. In this document, DCMS called for regulation
that is limited to where it is necessary, and provides the longer-term stability and
predictability that investors need.</p><p>We followed this with our 2019 Statement
of Strategic Priorities for Ofcom. This document implemented the regulatory strategy
we established in the FTIR, including through extending market review periods to at
least five years.</p><p>In 2021, Ofcom published its Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market
Review (WFTMR) which set out Ofcom’s decisions for regulation of the fixed telecoms
markets until 2026. The WFTMR makes explicit mention of the government’s desire for
regulatory stability and certainty set out in the Statement of Strategic Priorities.</p><p>This
approach is working; thanks to our stable regulatory environment, there are now over
80 companies investing over £35bn to connect premises all over the UK, and gigabit
coverage has increased to over 70%, rising from just 6% in 2019.</p><p> </p>
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