Local Loop Unbundling (LLU or LLUB) describes the regulatory process where the incumbent operator makes the copper cables that run from the telephone exchange to the customer premises available to other service providers.
In most cases just the broadband element of the connection is unbundled, this means the user receives broadband from one Internet Service Provider (ISP) while retaining an incumbent voice telephone line for making calls. The consumer will still have to pay a monthly line rental to the incumbent along with a payment to the ISP.
LLU isn’t available to everyone and depends on the demand in the area. More telephone exchanges are being unbundled so more customers can switch to LLU.
Some LLU providers have faced problems switching customers over to their equipment. It is not always a seamless process and has left some people without any connection at all for weeks.
Migrating to another service provider has also proved to be difficult for many customers leading to very confused and angry user
Benefits of unbundling: |
Disadvantages: |
|
Faster Services may be available |
Loss of service |
| Cheaper prices | Fault reporting and resolution more difficult |
| TV Channels | Tied to the supplier for XX years |
| Video on Demand | Two bills / Invoices |
| Bundled packages (voice, Broadband, TV) |
Country |
ILEC |
ISP |
ISP |
ISP |
ISP |
ISP |
ISP |
ISP |
ISP |
| France | France Telecom | Neuf Cegetel | COLT Telecom France | AT&T France | Verizon Business France | Completel France | Erenis | Free | Hub Telecom |
| Italy | Telecom Italia | Infostrada | FASTWEB (Swisscom) | Tiscali SpA | TeleTu | ||||
| Poland | Telecom Poland | Netia | GTS Poland | Dialog | TeleKomunikacja Kolejowa | ||||
| Russia | MMT | CBOSS | Dagsvyazinform | Dalsvyaz Telecom | Moscow City Telephone Network | Northe West Telecom | Siberia Telecom | Southern Telecom | Volga Telecom |
| South Africa | Telkom | Vodacom | MNT | Neotel | |||||
| United Kingdom | British Telecom | Virgin | Orange | Talk Talk | COLT | Cable & Wireless | Tiscali | ||
| USA | AT&T | Integra Telecom | Qwest | Pac-West | Verizon Communications | Excel Communications | Fairpoint Communications | Centurylink | ACN Inc. |