The UK Office of Telecommunications (Oftel) has given a boost to operators competing with BT in the UK leased lines market, which should result in reduced prices. BT will be required to offer specified wholesale leased line services to other operators on a non-discriminatory basis, allowing them to compete with BT. Leased lines are permanently connected communications links used by business and other operators to provide “always on” telecommunications services.
BT must conclude negotiations on prices and other terms and conditions with operators within two months of the final direction from Oftel. Oftel will continue to analyze the level of competition in the leased lines market and the results of negotiations between BT and operators under this direction to determine whether further regulatory action is necessary, such as imposing price controls on wholesale leased lines. For more information contact Oftel.
