As the UK nears gigabit saturation, the challenge for alternative network operators (altnets) is shifting from rollout to survival. Can they build the scale, brand strength, and financial resilience needed to compete with the big four fixed broadband providers — BT, Sky, Virgin Media O2, and TalkTalk — or will consolidation, cash-flow pressures, and market failures thin their ranks? 

The June 2025 Spending Review outlines key digital and infrastructure priorities, including £1.9bn for gigabit broadband rollout, £500m to boost public sector productivity, and investment in AI, digital health, and skills. While direct local funding is limited, the review signals strong national backing for digital transformation. Councils should align strategies to seize future funding and innovation opportunities.