September 13, 2005

LLU pricing still faces difficulties

by brian_turner

Although the pace of Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) is increasing, the process is still facing difficulties, according to Telecoms Adjudicator Peter Black.

In his latest report, he says that the number of unbundled phone lines (lines disconnected from BTâ€™s network and rewired to a rival telco) in the UK, has reached 105,00 with numbers growing by 4,000 a week.

LLU is regarded as a key way to increase competition in the industry leading to lower prices and improved services.

Although the pace of LLU is increasing, operational problems with the complex process are negatively impacting the Right First Time KPI [key performance indicator]. Mr Black states in his report: “There has also been an overall deterioration in the quality of delivery. BT and the LLU operators continue to give this highest priority”.

This decline in the KPI suggests that there continues to be difficulties supplying unbundled lines to end users although it is not clear if the difficulties lie with BT or LLU operators.

A spokeswoman from Bulldog, the Cable & Wireless LLU operator that is facing an Ofcom investigation following hundreds of complaints about its service, said: “Bulldog welcomes the assessment of the issues as outlined by the industry adjudicator. We hope to see an improvement in BT’s performance in the near future.”

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