Press & Media

The Independent Networks Cooperative Association (INCA) is the trade body for the UK’s independent telecommunications network sector. Founded in 2010, INCA represents the operators, suppliers, investors, and public-sector organisations that are building and supporting alternative full-fibre broadband infrastructure across the United Kingdom. With over 200 members, INCA is the authoritative voice of the independent network sector — commonly referred to as “altnets.”

INCA’s mission is to foster a competitive, sustainable telecoms market that delivers gigabit-capable connectivity to every premises in the UK, with nobody left behind. The association campaigns for the policy and regulatory conditions needed to maintain healthy competition, publishes the annual State of the Altnet Report — the definitive analysis of the sector’s performance — and leads cross-industry initiatives including the Wholesale Standards Initiative, the Infrastructure Sharing Framework, and sector-wide engagement with Ofcom’s Telecoms Access Review.

The independent network sector has fundamentally changed the UK’s digital infrastructure landscape. Altnet competition has been the primary driver of full-fibre deployment by both independent operators and incumbents, delivering faster speeds, lower prices, and connectivity to communities that were previously overlooked. INCA’s members collectively serve millions of premises across the UK, offering consumers and businesses genuine choice in their broadband provider for the first time.

INCA (Independent Networks Cooperative Association) is the UK’s trade body for independent telecommunications networks. Founded in 2010, INCA represents over 200 member organisations including network operators, infrastructure builders, suppliers, investors, local authorities, and public-sector bodies. INCA champions competition, infrastructure investment, and policy reform to ensure universal access to gigabit broadband. inca.coop

“Altnets” refers to alternative network operators — independent companies building full-fibre (FTTP) broadband infrastructure in competition with Openreach and Virgin Media O2. There are over 100 altnets operating across the UK, collectively passing more than 16 million premises.

For interview requests, commentary, or further background, please contact JBP on 0774 7693905 or email info@inca.coop.