BT ordered to boost broadband competition after Thus complains

Currently, operators that want to offer broadband DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) services must either buy BT's wholesale broadband products at BT's prices or install their own DSL equipment in BT's local exchanges.

Under the new ruling, BT will be required to offer ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) broadband interconnection services to enable operators to connect to BT's network and therefore provide a wider range of wholesale and retail broadband services in competition with BT.

BT must also set prices for these interconnection services on a non-discriminatory basis at a level that allows other broadband providers to compete.

Broadband interconnection will increase the range of options for providing broadband services to business and residential consumers. These currently include leased lines, BT's wholesale DSL products, cable modems, unbundled local loops and emerging technologies, such as fixed wireless broadband access and satellite.

BT will also be required to begin a trial for an interconnection product based on SDSL (Symmetric DSL) technology following consultation with the operators.

Oftel's decision means operators will be able to use a combination of their own and BT's DSL networks to deliver high-speed services to consumers and service providers.

Oftel expects that operators will be able to launch ADSL services using the new product later in the year.

See: The Direction to resolve the dispute among BT, Energis and Thus concerning xDSL interconnection at the ATM switch