The document sets out the terms and conditions under which BT supplies unbundled local loops and includes the following measures:
- If operators do not need all the space they order, they will be able to trade space in exchanges with each other, rather than returning it to BT;
- BT will have to pay immediate compensation to operators if service levels are not met;
- Operators will have the right to refer disputes about the provision of unbundling to an independent expert under a new dispute resolution procedure. This is in addition to the right to refer major disputes to Oftel under BT's licence;
- Operators and BT must agree levels of service (by 30th April) to ensure that BT provides operators with reasonable service on a non-discriminatory basis; and
- BT's and operators' liability for lost profits or income has been capped to ensure that claims are within reasonable limits.
David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications said today:
"Operators and BT agreed many of the conditions within the contract themselves, but where they were unable to agree I have stepped in to set the terms and conditions."
The full document is available from Oftel's website