Local-loop unbundling
Local loop unbundling (LLU) is the name for the process of allowing telecommunications operators other than the incumbent telco to use the twisted-pair local loop connections from the telephone exchange (American equivalent: 'central office') to the customer premises.
This process is usually driven by the government telecommunications regulator and often resisted by the incumbent operator, which sees LLU as an unneccessary attack on its core business.
Local loop unbundling is particularly relevant now (2001) as a way of increasing competition as the roll-out of ADSL and similar technologies progresses.
Many EU countries have now started a programme of local loop unbundling for this reason.
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