BT, phone lines, broadband wires and what?

[achin]

Hi all, I’m a Brit, and there’s no nostupidquestions specifically for the UK (as far as I’m aware) - can anyone explain how phone lines and broadband works in the UK because I somehow got it in my head that BT owns the hardware, and all the other companies rent the hardware from them? Or something? Is there a disadvantage with being with a non-BT company

[kelper]

I think you could find all the information just by using Google.  There are many operators, but OpenReach operates the majority of the network.  OpenReach is owned by BT but is a separate operating company.  Virgin has its own cabled network and there are many localised operators with private cable systems.  There is no disadvantage to using a non-BT company for cell phones, wifi or broadband,