Pipex has begun a bulk migration of its broadband ADSL customers onto their new unbundled (LLU) network. The move comes at the same time as the providers 'HomeCall' division launches a £6.50 per month 8Mbps package (it’s not actually that cheap):

Pipex is the first operator to ‘bulk migrate’ using Openreach’s Equivalence Management Platform (EMP).

Working with Openreach provides Pipex with the capability to manage the migration smoothly, with minimum disruption to customers. Pipex customers are being contacted prior to migration, advising them of timings and the process for migration. Local Loop Unbundling enables Pipex to offer super-fast broadband capabilities and develop new services such as video on demand.

"Openreach is delighted to be providing Pipex with the critical infrastructure it needs in order to meet increased customer demand," comments Steve Robertson, CEO of Openreach. "We have seen massive growth over the last year to more than 500,000 lines and this trend looks set to continue.

"This new system, which underpins the delivery of LLU, is Openreach’s biggest deliverable yet following the Telecoms Strategic Review," adds Robertson. "Pipex was one of the first broadband providers in the UK, so it is appropriate that it is one of the first to take advantage of Openreach’s new system."

Mike Read, CEO of Pipex continues, "Working with Openreach, we anticipate a successful and smooth migration process for customers within the unbundled exchanges. LLU plays a key role in enabling us to offer new services to our customer base and cements our position as one of the UK’s largest Internet and communications providers."

The move is seen as being part of Pipex's strategy to develop and deliver triple play services (voice, data and video) to businesses and consumers.

Similarly HomeCall's new 'up to' 8Mbps package has been designed to converge mobile, broadband and fixed-line telecoms. Typically it actually costs much more than £6.50, as explained below:

Enjoy up to 8Mb broadband for just £6.50 a month when you buy our Anytime calls package and line rental - which now includes our FREE Mobile Option. That means you get cheap broadband, with FREE modem and FREE connection, unlimited local and national calls, plus cheap mobile calls all day, every day. All this for just £29.99 a month (which even includes line rental!). That's everything you need on one bill - simple, easy and convenient!

The package itself also comes with a 12 month contract (never a good thing) and an unspecified 'Fair Usage' policy (i.e. not "unlimited" as stated). Details here: http://www.homecallbroadband.co.uk .