UK telco BT has called for cable operator Virgin Media to open its network of cable ducts to rivals, in order to enable the telco to use Virgin's network as part of its plans to upgrade its infrastructure, according to reports in The Times.

BT, which indicated last month that it is planning to open up its own cable ducts to rival operators in order to stimulate competition in the roll-out of fibre-based broadband services across the country, added that it will put pressure on communications regulator Ofcom if Virgin Media rejects its request.

“It is remarkable that those calling for open access from BT are not willing to provide it themselves," said a spokesperson for BT.  "We call on others to follow BT’s lead in offering to open its infrastructure and content to all on a fair basis.  Competition is a two-way street. We support Jeremy Hunt’s [Shadow Secretary of State for Media] call for open access to all networks and call for others to follow our example and to open their infrastructure and services.”

Neil Berkett, CEO of Virgin Media, has dismissed the suggestion however as a "can of worms', according to the reports, adding that Ofcom has previously said that there is no mandate for it to open its ducts.