Oftel has today published a document setting out the terms and
conditions of contracts to be entered into between BT and rival
operators for local loop unbundling. The telecoms watchdog
describes the document as a key element in providing a clear
framework for the process that should make broadband internet
access cheaper and more widely available.
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
