Ofcom calls for cuts to BT's copper wire wholesale prices
LONDON | Thu Jul 11, 2013 10:15am BST
(Reuters) - Britain's telecoms regulator said BT Group Plc should cut the prices it charges rival operators to access its network of copper wires, saying it wanted to increase competition in the provision of landline and broadband services.
Regulator Ofcom said its proposals could lead to real-term price reductions for consumers, if providers such as Talk Talk and Sky pass on the cuts to their telephone and broadband customers.
Ofcom's proposals involve price controls for BT's wholesale division Openreach for "unbundled" lines, whereby the provider takes full or part control of the line, and for wholesale line rental.