The gloves are off as Oftel takes BT to task

NEWS Oftel has come as close as possible within official terms to saying it has run out of patience with BT and the delays to the unbundling of the local loop. The regulator proposes that rival operators be able to get independent verification that there is not enough space in local exchanges for their equipment, which challenges BT's longstanding reason for blocking access to its exchanges. The regulator also said operators should be able to freely transfer space allocations in BT local exchanges and that there should be an independent body to resolve the inevitable disputes. Oftel also insists operators should also be given the right to independent appeal on the proposed charges for co-location facilities and that BT be contractually bound to meet time scales and pay compensation if levels of service or times scales are missed. One of the main objections of the independent telcos was that of the 600 exchanges opened on a rolling timetable, only 190 had the space for co-location - the rest would require building separate buildings and connections. One of the loudest and most coherent complainants was Scottish operator Thus, which in response to Oftel's statement said it was considering the document in detail. A spokeswoman for long time BT rival, Energis said: "We are pleased with what they have decided. The main thing we want to do now is work with BT." BT itself was conciliatory in its initial reaction. A BT spokesman said: "We welcome Oftel's moves to resolve the outstanding contractual points. They have a clear role to play. There will be disagreements- that's life.
We have noted that as expected, Oftel has upheld some of the views of the rest of the industry in some cases and the views of BT in some cases and in others it has made up its own mind." The UK incumbent has promised to issue a full reaction to Oftel's statement soon.