Ofcom’s consultation closed on 4 March 2023 and attracted a number of detailed responses. The regulator some of those responses raise issues which require further assessment.
Ofcom had planned to publish a final decision on the consultation by the end of March 2023. It now anticipates that it will take an additional two months to undertake this further analysis and issue a final decision.
The Equinox 2 offer was due to launch on 1 April 2023. Ofcom said, “To provide certainty and stability for industry, our view is that it would not be appropriate for the offer to launch until we issue our final decision.”
An Openreach spokesperson has confirmed it will delay the launch of Equinox 2. They said, “Whilst we continue to share Ofcom’s initial view that our offer isn’t anti-competitive, it’s important the regulator has time to consider all the feedback it has received fully and fairly, so our discounted full fibre prices won't come into effect on 1st April.
“That said, we don't think customers should be forced to pay higher prices because of this delay so, if Ofcom’s initial assessment is confirmed in May, we'll ensure our customers benefit from Equinox 2 pricing from 1 April.
“Our offer is a response to customers, who want lower prices and long-term certainty to help them switch to faster, more reliable broadband connections. It also supports our continued multi-billion-pound investment to upgrade the UK’s broadband infrastructure.”