On 17 March 2026, Ofcom published its statement on the Telecoms Access Review, setting out how it will regulate the wholesale markets behind UK fibre networks from April 2026 to March 2031. Leased lines are one of the markets covered. If you run a business that relies on a dedicated connection, or you are thinking about getting one, it is reasonable to wonder what this means for you.
This guide explains the review in plain English. It is a summary, not legal or regulatory advice, and the full detail sits in Ofcom's own documents.
What is the Telecoms Access Review?
Ofcom is the UK's communications regulator. Every few years it reviews the wholesale markets that internet providers rely on, such as access to ducts and poles, fibre broadband and leased lines. It looks at where competition is working and where it is not, then decides what rules should apply to network operators with significant market power. In practice, that mainly means Openreach.
The 2026 statement, titled Promoting competition and investment in fibre networks, is listed on Ofcom's fixed telecoms regulation page. It covers four markets, one of which is leased lines.
What it says about leased lines
At a high level, the review treats different parts of the country differently, depending on how much competition exists:
- Central London has been deregulated for leased lines, because Ofcom considers there to be enough competing networks there.
- Elsewhere, different tiers of regulation apply. Depending on the area, these include price caps on certain wholesale products and access to dark fibre.
The rules apply from April 2026 until March 2031, which gives the industry a settled framework for five years. techUK has published an overview of the review for those who want industry context.
What is dark fibre?
A normal leased line is a "lit" service: the network operator provides the fibre and the equipment that sends light down it, and sells a fixed bandwidth. Dark fibre is the fibre alone, with no equipment attached. The provider that rents it adds its own equipment and decides how much capacity to run over it. Dark fibre access gives providers more control and can help them offer higher bandwidths or different services.
What it means for business prices
It is important not to overstate this. The review sets rules for wholesale prices, which are what network operators charge providers. It does not set the price a business pays for a leased line.
Your price also depends on things the review does not change, such as:
- the distance from your premises to suitable fibre;
- whether construction work is needed, and any excess construction charges;
- the bandwidth and contract term you choose;
- the provider's own costs, support and service levels.
Where wholesale prices are capped, providers have some certainty about part of their costs. That can help keep prices stable, but it is not a promise that any individual quote will fall. Our guide to leased line costs explains the other factors in detail.
What it means for choice
Ofcom's aim is to encourage competition and investment in fibre networks. In areas where regulation stays in place, the intention is to make sure providers can buy fair wholesale access, so businesses are not limited to a single option. Dark fibre access is meant to give providers more freedom to build their own services on top of existing fibre.
For businesses, the practical result is likely to be gradual rather than sudden. More competition can mean more providers able to quote at your address and more variety in the services offered. It does not change the fact that each leased line is built and priced for a specific site.
Is the North East affected differently?
The deregulation applies to central London, so businesses in Sunderland, Newcastle, Durham and the rest of the North East fall under the regulated tiers that cover the rest of the UK. Exactly which tier applies depends on the area, as set out in Ofcom's documents. In practice, the best way to understand your options is to check your own address with more than one provider. Our guide to full fibre in the North East covers wider network rollout in the region.
What should businesses do?
- Nothing urgent. The review does not require any action from customers.
- Compare when you buy or renew. Ask more than one provider for a quote, and compare the total cost over the term, not just the monthly figure.
- Read the contract. Look at the term, the service level agreement and any price change terms. Our guide to contracts and your rights may help.
- Think about bandwidth headroom. A bearer with room to grow can make future upgrades simpler.
Ask us about your site
Our team in Sunderland works with businesses across the North East and the rest of the UK, and we are happy to explain what is available at your address. Visit our leased lines page to check your premises or ask for a leased line quote, or call 0191 543 3432.