The effect of a single wholesale fibre network on retail broadband prices varies by country

Policymakers in markets such as Australia, New Zealand and Singapore have focused on creating a single wholesale fibre network (or multiple networks, each with distinct geographical coverage). One aim of such policies is to foster competition between different retail service providers that are using the same wholesale inputs. However, all stakeholders (regulators, operators and investors) need to understand what the actual impact of this policy framework is on retail pricing. This article examines how the growth in the use of wholesale FTTP networks (without significant overbuild from other wireline technologies) in Australia, New Zealand and Singapore has affected retail fixed broadband prices.