Rajiv Datta, CEO at nexfibre said: “We requested a fast-track to Phase 2 to get to the right answer faster; ensuring due process, while recognising urgency. We look forward to continuing our constructive engagement with the CMA.

“This deal would create the scaled, sustainable alternative to the BT Openreach monopoly, something the UK market still lacks. Every day of delay reinforces the incumbent’s advantage and slows the progress of genuine competition.”

James Robinson, senior analyst at Assembly Research, cautioned against over-interpreting the move. “Everyone, cool your jets,” he said, adding that fast-tracking to Phase 2 does not mean the CMA considers the deal would significantly harm competition, that the parties concede it would, that the regulator wants to rush the review, or that the deal warrants “special” scrutiny.

Robinson said the decision instead reflects continued engagement between the CMA, Ofcom, the parties and other industry stakeholders. He noted the CMA has a statutory deadline of 15 December 2026 to reach a decision, which aligns with the timeline the parties have publicly targeted, though he flagged this could still be extended. He said industry should watch for the CMA’s “areas of focus” document, expected next week.

The deal, announced in February, would see nexfibre, the joint venture between Liberty Global, Telefónica and InfraVia, acquire Substantial Group, owner of Netomnia and retail brand YouFibre, which currently passes around three million premises with roughly 450,000 customers.

CityFibre chief executive Simon Holden repeated his opposition to the transaction. “VMO2/nexfibre’s planned acquisition of Netomnia would remove a successful challenger and reduce choice for consumers,” he said. “With 80% overlap between the two networks, the deal raises significant questions and the CMA is right to take an in-depth look at its impact on UK digital infrastructure and the competition that policymakers, regulators and the altnets are working so hard to establish.”

nexfibre has said the deal would unlock £3.5 billion of investment and create a scaled wholesale alternative to BT Openreach.

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