BT Slows Broadband Exodus as Alt-Net Rivals Face Consolidation

BT slowed broadband customer attrition in Q4 2025, losing 210,000 compared to 240,000 in Q3, and revised full-year declines to 850,000 from 900,000. The telecom giant faces headwinds from "alt-net" rivals leveraging low-cost full-fibre deals, many of which are collapsing amid higher interest costs and weaker demand. London-based G Network entered administration after a FitzWalter Capital acquisition, while Virgin Media O2 is acquiring Netomnia for £2bn to add three million homes. Under CEO Simon Kirkby, BT trimmed £3bn in costs, connected one million additional homes to full-fibre, and aims to reach 25 million by year-end. Revenue fell 4% to £4.9bn and pre-tax profit dipped to £183m after TNT Sports and handset sales weakness. Vodafone reported a 7.3% revenue rise to €8.5bn in Q3 as it integrates Three, but Germany growth lagged at 0.7% and shares fell 6%.