In a move that's sure to shake up the UK's telecom landscape, BT has announced a major leadership change at Openreach, its infrastructure powerhouse, just as the company nears completion of a monumental £12 billion project to bring full-fiber broadband to 25 million homes. But here's where it gets controversial: is this leadership shuffle a strategic step forward, or a sign of deeper troubles within the telecom giant? Let's dive in.
After nearly a decade at the helm, Clive Selley, the man tasked with transforming the UK's lagging broadband infrastructure, is stepping down. Appointed by former BT chief Philip Jansen with a bold mission to “build like fury,” Selley has been instrumental in addressing the UK’s sluggish adoption of high-speed broadband. His next role? Heading BT’s international division, a move that raises questions about the company’s global ambitions. And this is the part most people miss: Selley’s deputy, Katie Milligan, is taking over, and she’ll face a critical decision—whether to expand the fiber network to 30 million homes by 2030. A bold move, but will it pay off?
This leadership change is just the latest in a series of shake-ups orchestrated by Allison Kirkby, BT’s first female CEO. Since taking over in February 2024, Kirkby has replaced 10 out of 11 members of the telecom group’s executive committee, signaling a dramatic shift in strategy. But what does this mean for Openreach’s future? There’s long been speculation that BT might sell a stake in, or even all of, Openreach. Kirkby herself has called Openreach a “critical national asset,” praising Selley’s leadership for setting new industry standards. Yet, Openreach isn’t without its challenges.
In recent years, Openreach has faced intense pressure from smaller broadband providers, known as “alt nets” like CityFibre. The company forecasts losing 850,000 customers by the end of March, adding to the 800,000 lost last year. Adding to the drama, Selley recently warned Ofcom that Openreach might scrap the final phase of its rollout if the regulator imposes what it sees as unfair restrictions, such as pricing caps on broadband companies like Sky and TalkTalk. These caps are designed to curb Openreach’s dominance and foster competition, but Openreach argues they could hinder progress.
Milligan, stepping into the spotlight, is determined to “finish the job,” emphasizing Openreach’s mission to build as far and wide as possible. But she’s clear: the right conditions are needed to succeed. Meanwhile, the UK’s global ranking for fixed broadband speed remains stagnant at 44th, according to Ookla’s speed test database. While full-fiber broadband coverage has reached 78% of households, only 42% of eligible homes have actually upgraded. Why the gap? And what does this mean for the UK’s digital future?
As Selley moves on to replace Bas Burger, who’s leaving BT after 18 years, the telecom giant stands at a crossroads. Will Milligan’s leadership propel Openreach to new heights, or will regulatory hurdles and market pressures slow its momentum? Is the UK’s broadband future bright, or are we still lagging behind? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a debate!
