As my peer says, Openreach works OK, for now. But it doesn't work any better than it would work if the network infrastructure were publicly-owned - and arguabl

As my peer says, Openreach works OK, for now. But it doesn't work any better than it would work if the network infrastructure were publicly-owned - and arguably coverage in remote areas would be better. And cost and time wouldn't have to be expended on regulation. And there would be no risk of the monopoly infrastructure-provider being bought-out. There's no sense in having a natural monopoly such as a water or gas pipeline network be operated by a commercial monopoly, and then regulated to blazes. That's just make-work for civil servants. Same for internet cabling. Instead, let the government provide dark cable/fibre, and let retail operators negotiate peering, provide NOCs, and add services like Sport TV (which I don't have a use for). It's good that there's a market in retail internet provision; I use a fantastic boutique ISP, with almost-instant telephone support from people who know what they're talking about, and don't have scripts. Because it's a market, I can choose to pay more for a superior service.