What Does LLU Mean?

I am on the Bangor, Northern Ireland exchange, which according to Sam Knows is LLU enabled for sky:

http://www.samknows.com/broadband/exchange.php?ecode=NIBA

I was under the impression that LLU enabling allowed for higher data rates.

We are within a mile of the exchange and currently get 8 meg through the Connect package. According to Skys own web site when I enter my phone number it tells me I can get up to 16 meg.

Yet when I telephoned sky I was told my exchange could only support up to 8 meg!

Any ideas whats going on?

Thanks

Hello,

LLU (Local Loop Unbundling) is the process of an operator installing their own equipment directly into the BT telephone exchange - as Sky have done in your area. LLU doesn't necessarily imply higher data rates. Sure, some providers will use it to provide faster broadband, but others will use it just for cost savings.

Sky will offer their 16Mbps products on exchanges which they have unbundled (LLUd). If their own website is saying that you can get 16Mbps then you should press them on the issue over the phone. Chances are that they have run out of capacity at the exchange and have temporarily put new orders on hold (this seems to be quite common).

Hope this helps,

Sam