MTN calls for full LLU
Summary: MTN tells ICASA that all four proposed LLU methods should be regarded as a minimum requirement of the LLU process. These four methods are bit stream access, line sharing, full local loop unbundling and sub-loop unbundling.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) kicked off their Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) hearings today (11 October 2011).
These hearings afford stakeholders the opportunity to make oral presentations to the ICASA LLU panel which will ultimately decide on the LLU process which will be implemented in South Africa.
These hearings follow the publication of the Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) discussion document on 22 June 2011 which requested feedback on the LLU process and the forms of LLU which should be implemented.
The LLU discussion document listed four potential forms of LLU:
- bit stream access (or wholesale access);
- line sharing or shared access to the local loop;
- full local loop unbundling
- sub-loop unbundling
MTN responds
MTN said in their LLU submission that they support the Government and ICASA’s initiative to ensure that the fixed copper line local loop is unbundled.
MTN added that LLU will ensure that the existing copper infrastructure is effectively utilised to enable broader access to voice and data services.
MTN said that all four proposed LLU methods should be regarded as a minimum requirement of the LLU process.
“More flexibility afforded on the local loop to new entrants will result in more innovation and this will fuel competition, broadband availability and quality of service,” said MTN.
MTN is however not in favour of wireless and mobile local loop unbundling. The company raised legal and economic reasons as to why the fixed line local loop unbundling process should not be broadened to include wireless or mobile networks.
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