Telecoms giant TalkTalk has hit out at Ofcom's decision to raise regulated broadband prices, saying the move is "at odds" with the regulator's "principal duty" to further the interests of consumers and promote competition.
Ofcom has said the move will see millions of homes across the country upgraded to faster, more reliable broadband under the new regulations.
However, Salford-headquartered TalkTalk, which recently was bought in a £1.1bn deal, has said the proposals will see retail prices increase by £1.8bn and BT wholesale revenues increase by £1.2bn compared to the current cost-based system.
The spokesperson said that consumers "won’t see the benefit" of full fibre for years to come, "leaving then stranded on a lower quality product while paying more".
"Ofcom’s proposals mean blanket price increases for consumers nationwide and yet full fibre won’t be available for the majority for many years to come.
"This approach is at odds with Ofcom’s principal duty to further the interests of consumers and promote competition."
TalkTalk added that the price of ethernet connections will also rise, leading to higher-volume users also seeing price rises.
This will mean users such as schools and hospitals will see thousands of pounds added to their annual bills, the telecoms giant said.
The company added: "Ofcom’s proposals mean blanket price increases for consumers nationwide and yet full fibre won’t be available for the majority for many years to come.
"This approach is at odds with Ofcom’s principal duty to further the interests of consumers and promote competition."
Ofcom said: "The coronavirus pandemic has underlined the importance of a reliable internet connection.
"The UK’s copper telephone network – some of which was laid over 100 years ago – has helped deliver superfast broadband to 96% of homes.
"And people have generally been getting better services in recent years, without spending more in real terms.
"But as demand for data continues to accelerate, the UK’s infrastructure urgently needs an upgrade. This will require significant private investment in full-fibre broadband, which is much faster and more reliable than the networks most people use today."
