ISPs challenge Ofcom ruling on broadband wholesale pricing

A number of leading UK internet service providers (ISPs) are challenging Ofcom over planned new regulations governing the cost of wholesale telecoms services.

BT's appeal against the regulatory body - which is seeking to limit the charges BT can demand from other communication providers for access to its Openreach wholesale services - has been referred to the Competition Commission by the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

Sky and TalkTalk have also challenged Ofcom's decision in a separate appeal, which is also expected to be referred to the Competition Commission, with all three companies given permission to intervene in each other's appeals.

Meanwhile, Everything Everywhere - which operates the Orange and T-Mobile brands - has stated that it will be intervening in both appeals.

The contested Ofcom-mandated pricing scheme was announced in March 2012 and is expected to cover the period from 2012 to 2014.

Last week, ISP Entanet said it was essential that BT makes wholesale broadband bandwidth more affordable to smaller companies, as this is a necessary step in helping the UK achieve its superfast network improvement goals.