Guy CamposTelecoms regulator Oftel has summoned telecom companies for a
meeting tomorrow to discuss low levels of competition in the
provision of broadband Internet access.
The regulator is unhappy that competitors to BT have only put in
firm bids to install ADSL (Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line)
equipment in 14 of the first 25 local exchanges that are to be
opened up to them.
The local exchanges have been opened up to competition, a
process called 'unbundling the local loop', in order to comply with
EU legislation.
However, telecoms operators claim that BT is charging too much
for the right to install equipment in the exchanges and that Oftel
is being too lenient with the former monopoly company.
An Oftel spokeswoman said, "We want to find out directly whether
any difficulties have been encountered and then act if necessary to
make things easier."
BT is due to open up 360 exchanges in the first round of
unbundling, including some attractive city-centre locations.