- An altnet is an alternative network operator that builds and runs its own fibre infrastructure, separate from Openreach.
- Altnets compete by building full fibre, sometimes in areas they judge underserved by the incumbent.
- Ofcom regulates altnets, and they benefit from rules giving access to Openreach ducts and poles to speed up building.
- Consumers connect either directly with the altnet or, on some networks, through a third-party provider selling over that network.
For most of the broadband era, the physical network under your street belonged to one company. That is changing. Alternative network operators, universally called altnets, are building their own fibre across the country, creating genuine infrastructure competition for the first time in many areas. Understanding what they are clears up a lot of confusion about who actually owns your connection.
What an altnet is
An altnet is a company that builds and operates its own fibre network rather than reselling access to the incumbent's. Where a traditional provider rents the line from Openreach, an altnet owns the fibre it has laid. This makes it a network operator in its own right, not just a service provider.
How their business models work
Altnets vary, but common models include building full fibre in towns and suburbs the operator judges underserved, focusing on a particular region or city, or targeting multi-dwelling buildings. Some sell broadband directly to consumers over their own network; others operate wholesale, letting third-party providers sell services over the altnet's fibre. The economics depend on building efficiently and connecting enough premises to justify the investment.
How they are regulated
Altnets operate under Ofcom's regulatory framework. They also benefit from rules designed to make building easier and cheaper, notably access to Openreach's existing ducts and poles, which lets them lay fibre without digging every street from scratch. This access regime is a deliberate policy to encourage competing infrastructure.
Altnet models and consumer access
| Model | How it works | How you connect |
|---|---|---|
| Direct retail | Altnet builds and sells its own broadband | Buy directly from the altnet |
| Wholesale | Altnet builds; others sell over it | Buy from a provider on that network |
| Regional / city focus | Concentrated build in an area | Available if you are in the footprint |
How consumers access altnets
To use an altnet, your street has to be in its build footprint. Because altnet coverage does not appear on Openreach-based checkers, you often have to check the altnet's own site directly. If an altnet serves you, switching to it is a genuine alternative, though you should understand whether you are buying directly or through a provider that sells over the network.
Frequently asked questions
What is an altnet?
An altnet, or alternative network operator, is a company that builds and runs its own fibre network rather than reselling access to the incumbent Openreach network. It owns the fibre it lays and is a network operator in its own right.
Are altnets regulated by Ofcom?
Yes. Altnets operate under Ofcom's regulatory framework. They also benefit from rules giving access to Openreach ducts and poles to make building their networks faster and cheaper.
How do altnets get access to ducts and poles?
Ofcom rules require Openreach to give other operators access to its existing ducts and poles on regulated terms. This lets altnets lay fibre using existing infrastructure rather than digging every street from scratch, lowering build costs.
Can any ISP sell over an altnet network?
It depends on the altnet. Some operate purely as direct retailers, selling only their own broadband; others run wholesale models that let third-party providers sell services over their fibre. Check whether you are buying directly or through a provider on the network.
Are altnets reliable?
Altnets build modern full fibre, which tends to fault less than older copper lines, but reliability and service quality vary by operator. Check independent reviews and the operator's service commitments, since smaller altnets may not appear in Ofcom's complaints tables.
