As the UK races to expand its full fibre broadband network, the need for faster, smarter infrastructure deployment has never been greater. With demand for high-speed connectivity continuing to surge, alternative network providers (Altnets) are under pressure to scale quickly while keeping costs in check. Openreach’s Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) framework plays a vital role in this effort, allowing Altnets to use existing ducts and poles rather than build from scratch - a move that can significantly reduce both time and capital investment. In a recent Network IQ industry chat, ISPA Partner IQGeo spoke with Dr. Gillian Kendrick, CEO of Realworld Systems, to unpack the true potential of PIA and why data, not just access, will be the ultimate differentiator.
Find their article and a link to the interview below.
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Openreach PIA and its significance to the UK fibre broadband industry
IQGeo Network IQ industry chat with Dr. Gillian Kendrick, Realworld Systems
In a recent episode of Network IQ industry chat by IQGeo, Dr. Gillian Kendrick, CEO of Realworld Systems, offers a compelling deep dive into the strategic importance of Openreach’s Physical Infrastructure Access (PIA) highlighting both the opportunities and challenges this presents for accelerating the UK's fibre broadband expansion. As broadband demand surges, Kendrick emphasises that leveraging existing infrastructure—rather than building anew—is key to fast, cost-effective expansion. PIA offers exactly that opportunity by allowing alternative network providers (Altnets) to access and use Openreach’s ducts and poles.
However, Kendrick points out that access alone isn’t enough. The real competitive edge lies in data quality and integration. She explains how Altnets often struggle to plan and manage PIA-enabled deployments due to fragmented or inconsistent network data. That’s where inventory solutions like IQGeo’s network management platform come in, enabling operators to synchronize PIA data with existing network models to create a unified view. This not only improves planning accuracy but also streamlines execution, reduces risk, and enhances long-term network reliability.
“Having a powerful platform underneath you, which can help you manage your plan, design and build is absolutely fundamental to getting this going.” Kendrick states.
As PIA adoption scales, she urges stakeholders to ensure data transparency and consistency across the value chain—from infrastructure owners to service providers. Ultimately, she champions the idea that data is the lifeblood of modern broadband and that smart use of it can significantly boost the success rate of PIA-based deployments.
Watch the full Network IQ interview here