BT has cut the cost of local loop unbundling (LLU) to "stimulate infrastructure investment in the UK communications market".

The latest cuts - on top of the reductions announced in May - should make it far more easier for rival telcos to install their kit in BT exchanges and provide services direct to punters.

The UK's dominant telco reckons that by investing in new automated processes it has been able to reduce shared LLU prices by a total of 60 per cent since 31 May this year and remains on course to introduce further price cuts (up to 70 per cent on pre-June prices) by the end of the year.

Said BT Wholesale chief exec, Paul Reynolds: "Our wholesale prices overall are falling steadily and this move is designed to lead to market stimulation, and to develop a market in which those who are willing to innovate and invest can reap appropriate rewards."

BT also appointed Tom Maguire to fill the newly-created role of director of LLU. Maguire was previously a director within BT Wholesale.

In the last week Cable & Wireless and cableco NTL have both announced multi-million-pound plans to invest in LLU in the UK. ®

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