6 February 2007

BT's Openreach has announced that the number of unbundled local loop (LLU) connections has reached 1.5 million in the UK.

LLU allows telecoms and broadband providers to use the existing BT infrastructure - thereby offering their own services to customers rather than creating a new network or buying packages from the incumbent operator.

In the last year - since Openreach was formed - the number of LLU lines has increased by 640 per cent, potentially offering a wider range of online services to Britons.

Steve Robertson, Chief Executive of Openreach, comments: "I'm delighted to announce that the LLU market in the UK has officially taken off.

"It is a tribute to a great deal of hard work and investment by the whole Openreach team and by our LLU customers."

He adds that the company will spend a further £1 billion in 2007 to provide greater network access.

Earlier this month, Openreach stated that the progress of LLU in 2006 had exceeded its initial expectations - which will impact positively upon customers.

© Adfero Ltd

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