The fibre rush: altnets make a push for further growth

The rollout of fixed broadband (FBB) networks based on FTTP/B (fibre to the premises/building) technology has been growing for some years now. This is the result of both greenfield builds (including those deployed by altnets, alternative network providers specialising in FTTP/B) and the transition from existing xDSL(mainly) and cable networks. The Covid-19 pandemic has further boosted FTTP/B's prospects worldwide as the importance of robust and high-speed FBB infrastructure has hit home. FTTP/B rollouts are hastening in many markets and investor interest in FTTP/B assets is rising. As the FTTP/B landscape evolves at an accelerated pace, now is a good time to assess the role of altnets and consider the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for them.