- Openreach is the dominant network that most mainstream providers resell; altnets are separate networks owned by other operators.
- On Openreach you can usually choose from many providers; on a single-retailer altnet your choice may be the altnet itself.
- Switching between an Openreach provider and an altnet is possible but is a network change, not just a provider change.
- Consumer protections such as automatic compensation and complaints routes apply across regulated providers regardless of network.
To a household, broadband is broadband, but underneath it matters whether your line runs over Openreach or an altnet. The difference shapes how much provider choice you have, how switching works, and what happens in the rare event a network operator runs into trouble.
Who owns the network, and who you buy from
Openreach owns the largest network and wholesales access to a long list of retail providers, which is why so many brands offer service over the same line. Altnets own their own fibre. Some altnets sell only their own broadband, so your choice on that network may be the altnet itself; others wholesale to third parties, giving more choice. The practical upshot is that an Openreach line usually offers the widest provider choice.
Installation differences
Installation processes differ by network. An Openreach full-fibre install follows Openreach's engineering process; an altnet install follows the altnet's, with its own equipment and ports. The end experience is similar, an engineer, an optical termination point, a router, but the equipment and the support chain are the network operator's, not Openreach's.
Switching implications
Switching between providers on the same Openreach network is straightforward. Moving from an Openreach provider to an altnet, or vice versa, is a change of network, which may involve a new installation and new equipment, and the timing and process differ from a like-for-like switch. It is still a worthwhile move where an altnet offers better value, but plan for it being more than a simple provider swap.
Consumer comparison
| Aspect | Openreach network | Altnet network |
|---|---|---|
| Provider choice | Many retail providers | Altnet, or providers on that network |
| Installation | Openreach process and equipment | Altnet process and equipment |
| Switching | Easy between providers | A network change to or from it |
| Consumer protections | Apply to regulated providers | Apply to regulated providers |
What if the operator fails
A reasonable worry with smaller altnets is what happens if the operator goes out of business. Networks are valuable assets and tend to be acquired or transferred rather than simply switched off, but the risk profile of a small operator differs from the incumbent. Consumer protections such as complaints routes and, where applicable, automatic compensation apply to regulated providers regardless of which network you are on.
Frequently asked questions
Is an altnet broadband connection different from Openreach?
Functionally it delivers broadband the same way, but it runs over a different physical network owned by a different operator. That affects how many providers you can choose, the installation equipment, and the support chain behind your connection.
Can I switch from an Openreach ISP to an altnet?
Yes, but it is a network change rather than a simple provider swap. It may involve a new installation and new equipment, and the process and timing differ from switching between two providers on the same Openreach line.
What happens if my altnet goes out of business?
Networks are valuable assets and are usually acquired or transferred rather than shut down, but a small operator carries a different risk profile to the incumbent. Regulated consumer protections, such as complaints routes, still apply to your provider.
Does Ofcom regulate altnets the same as Openreach?
Altnets operate under Ofcom's framework, though some specific obligations that apply to Openreach as the dominant operator do not apply identically to smaller altnets. Core consumer protections apply to regulated providers across networks.
Do altnets have to offer the same consumer protections?
Regulated providers, whether on Openreach or an altnet, are subject to consumer protections such as complaints handling and access to alternative dispute resolution. Check whether your specific altnet participates in the automatic compensation scheme, as participation can vary.
