Rivals want quicker LLU rollout

Alternative operators in New Zealand are seeking speedier access to exchanges owned by the incumbent than that offered under a draft proposal from the regulator. The country’s Commerce Commission has published plans to force Telecom New Zealand to open up at least 15 exchange buildings each quarter to allow for local loop unbundling (LLU); Telecom had originally offered to open ten exchanges per quarter. However, alternative operators such as Vodafone-owned internet service provider iHug want access to around 25-30 buildings each quarter, reports The Dominion Post. TelstraClear has also commented on the draft proposals, calling for the regulator to implement a strategy which would allow competitors to complete LLU work themselves if Telecom fails to locate their equipment within the required 20-day period, or if it failed to meet the minimum rollout targets.