Update on Local Loop Unbundling

John Russell

Oftel Compliance Directorate

Progress with co-location

Initial surveys have been undertaken at almost 700 sites of 741 originally selected.

Space should not be constraint at 87% of most popular sites.

Operators have placed orders for space at a number of exchanges with proviso that cost per operator does not exceed £33,000.

Build of these facilities should begin around Easter

Move from ‘Bow Wave Process’

Given estimated demand BT has concluded that can resource all requests for unbundling facilities on a business as usual basis.

Operators will be able to place orders for co-location at any of BT’s exchange sites and submit orders when they wish.

Distant location

Since December 2000 operators have been able to order distant co-location on business as usual basis.

BT has surveyed over 50 sites and is sending detailed offers to operators.

Oftel will announce sites at which facilities are being prepared when firm orders placed.

Recent publications

February 2001 determination on terms of contract operators need to sign to take LLU facilities (ANF agreement).

March 2001 con doc published on guidelines for making co-location space available. Comments due by 30 March.

March 2001 published LLU fact sheet

Current investigations

Investigating complaint by operators alleging undue discrimination by BT in favour of its own DSL rollout.

Investigation into BT’s charges for physical and distant location.