BT's LLU pricing appeal referred to Competition Commission

An appeal from BT against Ofcom's pricing for local loop unbundling (LLU) has been referred to the Competition Commission (CC).

Originally calculated by Ofcom, the charges were supported by Sky and TalkTalk, both of which take advantage of LLU to deliver broadband connectivity and home phone access to end users.

However, BT believes the calculations contain "material errors" in the allocation of costs or income associated with LLU or wireline rental (WLR) services and the valuation of certain related assets, reports Br0kenTeleph0n3.

The Competition Appeal Tribunal has allowed the telecoms giant to withdraw some of its grounds for appeal against the LLU and WLR figures in a bid to speed up the amount of time taken for the CC to reach a verdict.

A determination on the matter must be reached by March 29th 2013.

BT was told to reduce the price it charges rival internet service providers for unbundled broadband and home phone products in October 2010, after the Competition Appeal Committee gave the green light to a ruling from the CC.

At the time, Ofcom was told to implement the new rates "as soon as possible".