Posted: 13th Jan, 2004 By: MarkJ
UK ISP and network operator Easynet has announced its intention to unbundled (LLU) a further 80 local telephone exchanges this year, with the aim of introducing their own xDSL broadband kit:
The telco announced on Monday that it plans to extend its programme of rolling out broadband infrastructure across the UK in 2004. It has already unbundled 149 exchanges, and hopes to increase this number to at least 229 within 12 months.
"2003 ended on a strong note. Our financial performance will meet or exceed market expectations in 2003, and we are looking forward to 2004 with confidence," said David Rowe, chief executive of Easynet. "The announced extension of our local-loop unbundling investment programme in the UK will extend our lead as the clear alternative broadband infrastructure provider to BT in the UK."
LLU forces incumbent telecoms operators -- BT, in the UK -- to open up their local exchanges and allow competitors to install their own kit and offer wholesale broadband services.Despite the good news, unbundling remains a rare occurrence in the UK, much like the rest of Europe. It's hoped that a number of forthcoming EU and UK reviews may offer up some suggestions for improvement. More @
ZDNet.