Telecommunications: unbundled access to local loops of operators having significant market power

PURPOSE : to provide a legal base to enforce unbundled access to local loopsof operators having significant market power by 31 December 2000. CONTENT : the copper local loop refers to the physical circuit between the customers' premises and the telecommunications operator's local switch in the local access network. This remains one of the least competitive segments of the liberalised telecommunications market. Providing unbundled local loops to all new entrants will increase the level of competition and technological innovation in the local access network, which in turn stimulates the competitive provision of a full range of telecommunications services. This will facilitate the growth of e-commerce and e-business in Europe. This proposal responds to Member States concerns that without a strong legal base upon which to mandate unbundled access to the local loop, they could have difficulty achieving the goals set by the European Council of Lisbon in March 2000. Notified operators must make available to third parties unbundled access to the local loop under transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory conditions. They must provide competitors with the same facilities as they provide to themselves.�