BT hits the brakes on fiber buildout

 Openreach, the semi-autonomous network access arm of UK incumbent operator BT, is touching the brakes on the expansion of its fiber network to keep on top of rising costs, according to a report in the Financial Times. In a letter seen by the newspaper, BT has told suppliers that it intends to build its fiber broadband network "narrower and deeper" and limit itself to more of a "just-in-time" approach to its buildout. And, more worryingly for the suppliers, BT admits in the letter that this change of tack "will by necessity include an element of cancellation or suspension of a job you have received and/or validated." Earlier this month BT CEO Philip Jansen revealed plans to remove another £500 million (US$565 million) in costs by the end of 2025, on top of the £2.5 billion ($2.8 billion) in savings that had already been earmarked. Data published by BT in September showed that only 27% of the homes within reach of its full-fiber network had signed up to the service.