Research and analysis

Appendix 2. Case study selection

Published 10 September 2026

A case study approach was used because assessing market impacts is inherently complex and cannot be understood through quantitative indicators alone. Contribution analysis requires a detailed examination of how suppliers responded to the Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) programme, the factors influencing their decisions, and the extent to which observed outcomes can plausibly be linked to the programme. This necessitates sourcing rich qualitative evidence, including interviews with suppliers and other stakeholders. It was not feasible to undertake this depth of investigation for all LFFN projects, so a set of four case studies was selected to provide insight across different delivery models, supplier types and local contexts.

To identify suitable candidates, an initial programme of analysis was undertaken to examine where signs of market impacts have emerged. The purpose was to highlight areas where LFFN may have influenced supplier entry, network expansion, organisational growth or broader competitive effects, and which therefore warranted more detailed investigation through qualitative fieldwork and contribution testing. This analysis drew on several evidence sources, including:

• BDUK monitoring information, used to identify suppliers funded through LFFN and when they received funding;

• Ofcom Connected Nations data, used to assess changes in gigabit-capable coverage;

• Companies House filings, used to review financial growth patterns among alt-nets receiving LFFN funding; and

• Open Market Review (OMR) data, used to understand the competitive landscape in LFFN areas.

Using this information, a longlist of potential case studies was developed and then refined in discussion with BDUK. The final selection was designed to provide coverage of different types of LFFN projects, delivery models and supplier profiles. It includes a mix of supplier-based, model-based and area-based case studies, as summarised below.

5. Cooperative Network Infrastructure (CNI) – a model-based case study covering two PSAR projects (Blackpool and Mid Sussex). These projects made fibre infrastructure available to multiple suppliers through a cooperative model, with the aim of encouraging a more diverse and competitive marketplace.

6. CityFibre – a supplier-based case study examining the role of a large alt-net that delivered several LFFN contracts (primarily Public Sector Anchor Tenancy projects) and has also utilised LFFN-funded infrastructure in areas where it was not the contract holder. This provided an opportunity to assess LFFN’s contribution both to CityFibre’s national expansion as well as local market outcomes.

7. Northern Ireland – an area-based case study covering the whole of Northern Ireland, which had three LFFN projects: one in Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon; one in Belfast; and the Full Fibre Northern Ireland programme covering all areas outside Belfast. This case study enabled analysis of LFFN’s contribution in a region with distinctive market characteristics and a range of different interventions.

8. Tay Cities – an area-based case study including two LFFN projects: a PSAR project delivered by Neos Networks and a PSBU project delivered by Openreach. This area was selected specifically to explore market impacts where an incumbent, rather than an alt-net, secured one of the LFFN contracts. It allowed the evaluation to examine whether LFFN supported expansion in areas that improved consumer choice and strengthened retail competition.

Together, these four case studies represent a broad cross-section of LFFN activity and provide a robust basis for assessing the programme’s contribution to market outcomes across different delivery contexts.