Local loop unbundling allows communications providers to offer their own retail services over BT's copper network. In three years, the number of "unbundled" lines has increased from 123,000 to over 5 million, offering consumers more choice and better value for money.
The spur for this was a set of legally-binding Undertakings that Ofcom agreed with BT Group and which led to the creation in 2006 of the operationally-separate BT business unit Openreach.
Separately, Ofcom also set the maximum prices that Openreach could charge for its wholesale services. These charges did not include an annual adjustment for inflation or changes to other costs. In light of the impact of inflation on Openreach's costs, Ofcom has decided it should now consider changes to these charges to reflect developments since the previous prices were set.
The proposals cover Openreach's network services to homes and businesses. They are designed to promote continued competition in the provision of voice and broadband services and to ensure that Openreach has the appropriate incentives to invest in delivering the services required by its customers.
Ofcom is consulting on the following ranges for annual rental charges for the first year of 2009/10:
* A fully unbundled line: £85.00 to £91.00 (from £81.69 today);
* Shared unbundled line: £15.60 to £16.20 (from £15.60 today);
* Residential wholesale line rental: £100.68 and £104.40 (from £100.68 today);
* Business wholesale line rental: £106.00 and £110.00 (from £110 today); and
* Other related charges adjusting in line with underlying cost increases.
Ofcom has also proposed charges for unbundled lines for 2010/11.