Oftel takes action against BT to help rivals with broadband

In a draft Determination issued today, Oftel sets a deadline by which BT must conclude interconnection agreements with Energis and Thus for Digital Subscriber Loop (DSL) services.

The proposed interconnection agreements with BT would enable Energis and Thus to take their DSL services off BT's network at specified points and onto their own networks. BT's current wholesale DSL service is an end-to-end product which does not enable network operators to use their own network infrastructure.

The final Determination would give BT one month to conclude negotiations with the two companies, with the interconnection arrangement available three months from the date of the Determination. If negotiations are not then concluded, Oftel could, if asked, determine the detailed arrangements.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said:

"These further proposals by Oftel will enable consumers to benefit from a range of competing alternatives for the provision of new high-speed services. I want operators to have a range of options for providing services including using BT's services, unbundled local loops or using their own and BT's network.

"The draft Determination sets a deadline for BT to reach an agreement with the two operators and a further date by which the operators should be able to connect with BT's network. Oftel's proposals give operators another option to provide new high-speed services to their customers in competition with BT."

Comments on the draft determination have been requested by 3rd January 2001.