Oftel SETS OUT TIMETABLE AND CONDITIONS FOR LOCAL LOOP UNBUNDLING

Ref: 74/00
Date: 21 September 2000

Oftel today published details of the requirements on BT to ensure that the unbundling of its local loop is carried out fully and without discrimination.

The guidelines will ensure that BT provides services to other operators on equivalent terms to those applied to its own business. This includes treating its own business in the same way as others for the allocation of space in its exchanges.

The guidelines set out the information BT has to provide operators so that they can plan and implement unbundling. This includes the geographical areas served by exchanges and the availability of space and power at each exchange.

Commenting on Access Network Facilities: Oftel Guidelines on Condition 83 of BT’s Licence, David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said:

"This is the next stage in ensuring a level playing field for the unbundling of BT’s local loop. These guidelines put all BT’s competitors on the same footing as BT itself.

"If there is any dispute between an operator and BT it will be resolved by Oftel. If necessary, I shall not hesitate to make Determinations requiring BT to comply.

"And the guidelines are tough. BT will have to provide and make ready for use co-location space in a maximum of four months. Some orders can undoubtedly be met earlier.

"Only in exceptional cases, where there are significant problems outside BT’s control will BT be allowed additional time.

"Once equipment has been installed, unbundled loops must be provided within three to five days.

"For standard facilities such as unbundled loops I will determine the prices. The charges for other items, such co-location, should be commercially negotiated. In case of dispute, I will determine a reasonable price to be paid.

"Local loop unbundling will bring a step change to businesses, consumers and the telecoms industry itself. I am determined to implement it as quickly as possible so that all companies can compete fairly to deliver these revolutionary new high speed services."

Notes to editors

1. Copies of Access Network Facilities: Oftel Guidelines on Condition 83 of BT’s Licence are available to the public from Oftel’s Research and Intelligence unit, tel: 020 7634 8761 and to the press from Oftel’s press office, tel: 020 7634 8991. The document can also be found on Oftel’s website at www.oftel.gov.uk/competition/llug0900.htm.

2. The Guidelines follow a draft published for consultation on 31 July. The consultation document, Access Network Facilities: Oftel draft guidelines on Condition 83 of BT’s Licence, is available on Oftel’s website at www.oftel.gov.uk/competition/llug0700.htm

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