BT forced to open web access

Industry watchdog Oftel has forced BT to provide the services to enable other operators to supply unmetered internet access across BT's local network.

BT will also be required to make its local copper lines available to other telcos as a leased circuit by July 2001, and other parts of its network will have to be made available at a "fair price".

The ruling follows a complaint filed by MCI WorldCom, who wanted to roll out an alternative version of BT's unmetered SurfTime service to internet service providers (ISPs).

WorldCom accused BT of failing to offer a wholesale version of SurfTime, which would allow other operators to create their own versions.

David Edmonds, director general of telecommunications at WorldCom, said: "It is vital for the UK's vibrant internet market that other operators and ISPs offer competing unmetered internet access using BT's local network."

BT had claimed it was unable to offer WorldCom access to its network infrastructures, as it could not cope with the increase in traffic, although it had planned to upgrade all its exchanges to digital ones by November.

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