Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) involves broadband providers installing their own equipment in telephone exchanges so they don't have to rely on BT's infrastructure to deliver services.

Initially, though, providers using unbundled networks were criticised for poor customer service. But recent research from Point Topic shows that LLU customers are now much happier than they were.

Michael Phillips of price-comparison site BroadbandChoices.co.uk said: "Historically, LLU providers have always fallen short when it comes to customer satisfaction, but times are clearly changing as the broadband market becomes more competitive and ISPs strive to retain their existing customers."

ISPs that have invested heavily in LLU include Tiscali, TalkTalk and Sky. LLU allows them to deliver broadband that can theoretically be as fast as 24Mbps, using technology known as ADSL2+.

This means that, as well as faster broadband services, customers don't have to pay line rental charges to BT, meaning that deals can potentially be cheaper, especially when the providers offer home telephone services as well.

Point Topic's research suggested that 34 per cent of people choosing a broadband provider said that cheaper line rental charges were a factor that affected their decision.

BT's network currently uses older technology that is only capable of 8Mbps, though it is currently undertaking a project to install a new network, 21CN, in the UK, which will use ADSL2+ technology.

However, the project is not due to be completed until 2012 at the earliest.

www.point-topic.com
www.broadbandchoices.co.uk

Back to index