By investing in new automated processes, BT has been able to reduce shared local loop unbundling (LLU) prices by a total of 60% since May 31 this year. Effective from September 30 the connection charge for the shared access service will go down to £37 (in May 2004 this had been £117), and annual rental will remain at £27.12 (was £53 in May 2004). BT said further price cuts are anticipated. http://www.btplc.com
- Earlier this month, Cable & Wireless announced its intention to pursue the broadband market in the U.K. via local unbundling from BT. Cable & Wireless said its initial plans include a target to unbundle up to 400 exchanges by the second half of 2005 which will give Cable & Wireless access to approximately 30% of sites in the UK . The company’s local loop unbundling capital investment is expected to be £40-50 million in the year to 31 March 2005. An additional £15 – 35 million will be required in the year to 31 March 2006, subject to the speed of subscriber growth.