Openreach is the company that maintains telephone cables, ducts, cabinets and exchanges across the UK. It is a division of BT, but manages the broadband and telephone connection for almost every home in the UK, even rival operators.
It’s possible to invest in Openreach, but as it’s owned by BT, you’d need to buy BT shares.
What companies does BT own?
As well as Openreach, BT owns:
BT Consumer — this includes BT Broadband, BT Superfast Fibre, BT TV, BT Sport, BT Mobile and BT Wi-Fi
BT Business and Public Sector
BT Global Services
BT Wholesale and Ventures
Plusnet
EE
This means that if you choose to invest in Openreach by buying shares in BT, then you’ll be investing in the other brands that it owns as well. It’s worth doing the research into what some of BT’s main brands are getting up to, as well as Openreach.
Can I buy Openreach shares?
While you can't invest directly in Openreach, you can buy BT Communications shares, which is the company that owns Openreach. BT Communications is listed on the LSE with stock code BT-A.LSE the current share price is 139.75p (25 minute delay).
Openreach is owned by BT Communications (BT-A) a leading Diversified Telecommunication Services business based in the UK. It opened the day at 138.35p, after a previous close of 139.95p. During the day the price has varied from a low of 137.2p to a high of 139.9605p. The latest price was 139.75p (25 minute delay). Openreach (BT-A) is listed on the LSE and employs 91700 staff. All prices are listed in Pence sterling.
How to buy shares in Openreach
Choose a share-dealing platform. If you’re a beginner, our table below can help you choose.
Open your account. You’ll need your ID, bank details and national insurance number.
Confirm your payment details. You’ll need to fund your account with a bank transfer, debit card or credit card.
Search the platform for stock code: BT.A in this case.
Research Openreach (BT Communications) shares. The platform should provide the latest information available.
Buy your Openreach (BT Communications) shares. It's that simple.
We analysed all popular share dealing platforms in the UK using 35 data points and combined this with our expert insight from using the apps. The platforms we've selected as best for each category offer stand-out features or a unique combination of elements for a specific aspect of investing. If we show a "Promoted for" pick, it's been chosen from among our partners and is based on factors that include special features or offers, and the commission we receive. Keep in mind that our picks may not always be the best for you – it's important to compare for yourself. More details in our full methodology.
All investing should be regarded as longer term. The value of your investments can go up and down, and you may get back less than you invest. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. If you’re not sure which investments are right for you, please seek out a financial adviser. Capital at risk.
For the most part, if you’re reading this article while connected to home broadband, the chances are that Openreach maintains the technology that allows you to access it. There are some rival companies that don’t use Openreach, including Virgin Media. Openreach is in the process of connecting more properties to FTTP, with an aim to have connected 15 million by 2025.
BT dates back to 1846. It became independent of the Post Office in 1981. It’s a part of the FTSE 100 index.
An overview of BT Communications the parent company of Openreach
BT Group plc provides communications products and services in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia Pacific. It operates through Consumer, Business, and Openreach segments. The company builds, owns, and operates fixed and mobile networks; and designs, builds, markets, sells, and supports network access, connectivity, and related products. It also offers mobile, broadband, and landline, as well as entertainment services, such as gaming and TV to individuals and households; and connectivity, networking, cyber security, collaboration tools, cloud connectivity, and cloud services to for small, medium, and large corporate businesses, as well as public sector and government. In addition, the company provides fixed and IP voice; unified communications; mobile; fixed and networking; security, and cloud and IoT solutions; as well as managed services. Further, it engages in the wholesale of mobile network capabilities, voice services, broadband, ethernet, and other connectivity solutions on contract basis; and offers access to its fixed access network infrastructure to connect homes, mobile phone masts, schools, hospitals, broadcasters, and businesses. The company offers its products and services under the BT, EE, and Plusnet brands. The company was formerly known as Newgate Telecommunications Limited and changed its name to BT Group plc in September 2001. BT Group plc was founded in 1846 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom.
Frequently asked questions
Philip Jansen is the CEO of BT.
BT owns Openreach. Openreach is a legally separate company, but the network assets are owned by BT.
Zoe was a senior writer at Finder specialising in investment and banking, and during this time, she joined the Women in FinTech Powerlist 2022. She is currently a senior money writer at Be Clever With Your Cash. Zoe has a BA in English literature and a Diploma for Financial Advisers. She has several years of experience in writing about all things personal finance. Zoe has a particular love for spreadsheets, having also worked as a management accountant. In her spare time, you’ll find Zoe skating at her local ice rink. See full bio
Zoe's expertise
Zoe has written 176 Finder guides across topics including:
Find out how you can invest in EE, and get the latest share price updates.
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