Fibrestream says BDUK framework biased to larger firms

Community fibre optic broadband network operator Fibrestream has accused the government's Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) framework of excluding smaller telecoms firms.

BDUK's procurement scheme, which allows communications providers to apply for state funding to subsidise super-fast broadband rollouts in areas not deemed commercially viable for deployments, recommends that only firms with an annual turnover of at least £20 million for the past two years should be considered.

Speaking to PC Pro, Fibrestream chief executive Guy Jarvis said the requirement means many smaller players are effectively excluded from the framework.

"The whole thing is set up to favour bigger companies, even if they can't offer such good service to everyone in those areas," he argued.

Fibrestream's business model works on the basis that broadband networks should be owned by the communities that use them, rather than the companies that build them.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to reduce the cost of rolling out broadband infrastructure by doing some of the digging work themselves.