Industry Calls for Tougher Sentences Following Attacks on Critical Fibre Infrastructure

7 March 2024 – Innovative fibre network providers Ogi and Vorboss are leading an industry call for tougher sentencing laws, following a spate of attacks on critical internet infrastructure across the UK.

A series of severe, targeted attacks on full fibre networks – from rural Wales to the City of London – has cut off homes, businesses and public services, including hospitals. Attacks have been reported recently in Pembrokeshire, Liverpool, Sheffield and London.

In a letter to Michelle Donelan, the Secretary of State for the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), the fibre industry is calling for a wide-ranging review of the security of the UK’s physical networks.Specifically, the industry requests:

• Attacks on critical digital infrastructure to carry tougher sentences and fines to act as a deterrent. The severity of the penalties should reflect the potential risks to life and the critical role that full fibre plays in keeping our communities connected and safe.
• Direction from Government to ensure police forces prioritise engagement with attacks on critical digital infrastructure, in line with their impact on communities and the economy.
• Strict enforcement of essential security compliance protocols by industry, specifically ensuring all network builders adhere to Open reach ‘whereabouts’ compliance.

The letter is signed by leading  representing investors, network builders and internet service providers.

Calling on the UK and devolved governments to do more, Ben Allwright, Ogi’s Chief Executive, said:

“Working with the UK and devolved governments now means we can make sure this infrastructure – feeding our homes, businesses and critical public services – is backed by laws that are fit for purpose; deterring those who aim to sabotage the connectivity we increasingly lean on for our working, social, and day-to-day lives.

Now is the time for us to get around the table to make sure this vital infrastructure has the protection it needs.”

Responsibility for digital infrastructure sits within the Department of Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) – led by Secretary of State Michelle Donelan – and Ofcom, the telecom industry regulator.

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Vorboss CEO Tim, said:

“We’ve raised this issue after a series of worrying attacks on multiple networks in our industry, and now we hope to seethe change that is needed to protect the country’s critical infrastructure. Resilience of digital connectivity should be a critical priority, and DSIT and Ofcom have the responsibility to affect these important changes. From sentencing to policing to enforcing industry compliance, a review of current rules is desperately needed.”

The letter has been shared with DSIT and Ofcom leadership teams – including Minister for Data and Digital Infrastructure, Julia Lopez MP, and CEO Dame Melanie Dawes – devolved governments and their officials, business leaders and local authorities. Ogi and Vorboss are leading the charge, calling on DSIT and Ofcom to conduct a review of security of fibre infrastructure across the UK.

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About Ogi

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Ogi is only telecoms provider dedicated to Wales – and proud of it; bringing ultrafast full fibre technology to communities across Wales, and with it the digital tools people need to thrive today and long into the future.

The ambitious £200m first phase programme is rolling out a new full fibre network right across south Wales – that’s private investment transforming Wales’s digital landscape, connecting homes and businesses to world-class technology; a network that will adapt and grow with demand.

Without Ogi’s investment today, these vital ultrafast connections simply wouldn’t exist in time for the digital switchover that’s already begun.

About Vorboss

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Vorboss is the only network purpose-built for London's most ambitious businesses. Designed with London’s future in mind, it is providing businesses direct access to critical fibre infrastructure, with simple, transparent pricing.

It is unique in owning its network and service end-to-end. The only network providing 10Gbps as a baseline – well above the industry standard – Vorboss has the capacity to ramp up to 100Gbps.

Vorboss is part of the Fern Trading Group, advised by Octopus Investments, and is investing over £250 million into its fibre network.