Shared fibre access model 'could support govt's super-fast broadband goals'

Adopting a shared fibre access model in towns and cities could significantly contribute towards achieving the UK government's super-fast broadband targets, according to a new report.

Drawn up by Oxera and CityFibre, the publication claims there is a strong economic case for the "anchor-tenant" model as an alternative to relying upon incumbent telecoms companies.

Unique to CityFibre in the UK, the anchor-tenant process sees the network operator build, own and operate shared fibre optic infrastructure without requiring ownership participation by the incumbent or service providers.

It could help the government to deliver its regularly stated goal of providing Europe's best super-fast broadband network by 2015, as well as the EU's target of giving all citizens access to speeds of at least 30Mbps by 2020.

Greg Mesch, chief executive of CityFibre, said: "This report has emphasised the strength of our model and the benefits it provides.

"Importantly, cities will benefit from ubiquitous fibre infrastructure, which puts the foundations in place for business growth and job creation."