Research by Point Topic finds altnets match established broadband brands’ growth in full fibre connections, beat them on customer service and are eating into their market share
The State of the Altnets report, published by Point Topic for the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA), is based on a survey of 2,000 adults in Great Britain (that is, England, Scotland and Wales). The survey was carried out by Whitestone Insight. It also provides insight into how customers perceive the role of independent broadband providers.
The report finds independent networks have expanded to around 19.7 million premises passed, with more than 3.5 million live connections. Year-on-year net additions are broadly tracking incumbent losses as consumers switch to newer, gigabit-capable infrastructure.
GB not in the adoption vanguard
However, altnets while are seeing an average 18% take-up rate, an increase of 2% on the previous year. This still puts the Great Britain way down the European rankings for take-up rates according to Point Topic’s FTTP adoption rates and market value in Europe – 2024 update published in September 2025 –see graphic below.
As of end-2024, fibre adoption rates ranged from 19.6% in Austria to 97.7% in Iceland, with the average among the 30 European countries standing at 60.1%, up from 57.8% at end-2023.
Source: Point Topic’s FTTP adoption rates and market value in Europe – 2024 update
Incumbents losing ground to alnets
Between December 2024 and December 2025, Openreach reported around 860,000 net line losses, closely mirrored by roughly 850,000 net additions among altnets, evidence of competition biting where consumers have choice.
Virgin Media O2 reported losing about 126,000 broadband customers over the last year, further reflecting the intensified competition in markets characterised in part by altnet overbuild. Virgin Media O2’s price hikes certainly didn’t help it’s cause either.
Value for money it seems is a defining factor as households struggle with the cost of living. Many altnets have led the market on price certainty, typically avoiding inflation-linked, mid-contract price rises that have driven sharp bill increases elsewhere.
Entry-level full fibre packages from altnets have been priced materially below the biggest brands, helping families and small businesses access ultrafast connectivity without unpredictable hikes. This was mirrored in the consumer poll, which showed that a greater percentage of those using independent networks felt that they offered good value for money, compared to those with a national provider.
Source: The State of the Altnets report, published by Point Topic for the Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA)
Crucially, the report apparently shows altnets are successfully competing against incumbents on customer experience. Independent providers consistently achieve “Excellent” consumer ratings on review platforms such as Trustpilot, with the top-ranked ISPs dominated by altnets and the largest providers scoring far lower. This was also mirrored in the consumer research.
More information here.
Photo shows CityFibre van – CityFibre is the largest alnet in Great Britain.
