29 October 2007
Consult21 (21 CN), discussing the next generation of networks from the UK's biggest broadband provider BT, appears to have run into some trouble.
According to industry source Samknows, rival ISPs expressed concerns about the process when meeting with BT bosses in September.
Samknows scrutinised 21 CN meeting notes, which showed marked disagreement between representatives from Sky, Tiscali and Orange on one side and BT on the other.
One said clearly, "we are not happy" with the direction of the ongoing consultation into next-generation networks.
The migration process onto new technology and issues with LLU - the process whereby rival ISPs such as Sky unhook their networks from BT's at telephone exchanges - were prominent disagreements.
"Broadband Line Access - the process of running an ADSL line without a phone line [commonly called Naked DSL] was the final issue of contention between BT Wholesale and the ISPs," the report continued.
It emerged at the meeting that rivals were in favour of developing this product for future use - with BT, by contrast, having closed its consultation on the technology in July due to "insufficient rationale to justify" its development.
"21CN will be the means to deliver new and compelling products and services. BT Wholesale’s customers, consumers, businesses and the economy at large will benefit," the telecoms firm states on its website.
BT currently has around 4 million UK subscribers to its broadband services.
So much choice, but don't panic - it's easy to get yourself a great deal on broadband using uSwitch.com. If you're confused about technicalities, the help pages throughout our calculator are on hand at each step of the sign up process to answer all your questions. Find providers in your area and compare packages using our free and impartial service. Sign up to broadband today.
Start switching
< Back to market news
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
Content for the uSwitch.com market news service is provided by a third party, Adfero Ltd. Whilst uSwitch.com makes reasonable efforts to check the reliability of this content, uSwitch.com does not guarantee the accuracy thereof or endorse the views or opinions given by Adfero Ltd, unless expressly stated otherwise.