Can someone explain LLU implications please?

Whilst I'm not currently considering moving at the moment, it's good to be able to understand some of the potential choices. So... If I may some questions about LLU.

As I understand it LLU is where an alternative company to BT puts equipment into a BT exchange, presumably piggy-backing on some existing BT equipment, to enable customers who currently have a BT telephone line into their home choose a non-BT supplier for their telephone and/or broadband services. In other words to enable competition between telecoms suppliers to the domestic market.

Ignoring as to why I may wish to, can I go LLU on my Broadband and stay with BT for my telephone?

If so, what are the cost implications (and anything else) of so doing?

If, having stayed with BT for telephone, I subsequently decide to go back to a 'standard' BT provided broadband service, what are the cost implications?

As I understand it, if you choose to go totally non-BT, then any subsequent return to the BT fold may be charged as a new line installation.

Any other implications?

My apologies if these seem fairly basic questions, but I haven't yet been able to find answers elsewhere.

Ignoring as to why I may wish to, can I go LLU on my Broadband and stay with BT for my telephone?

Yes

If so, what are the cost implications (and anything else) of so doing?

Generally people would only go on LLU to get a better service at less cost, e.g. Be would be cheaper and practically unlimited.

If, having stayed with BT for telephone, I subsequently decide to go back to a 'standard' BT provided broadband service, what are the cost implications?

You pay the charge your new ISP makes to move your ADSL wires back to BT.

As john2007 says.

I have a short explanation here of how the system works, but reading through it now I realise I have missed some important bits, which you and john have partly covered. I shall have to add to it over the next couple of days.

The missing bit is that there are two sorts or levels of LLU Full and Partial. TalkTalk is normally Full LLU as they take your phone line away from BT Wholesale.

Sky used to be Partial as they supplied broadband over a BT Wholesale phone line, even though Sky charged you the rental. However I believe most new customers are being put on Full LLU like TT.

O2/Be are Partial LLU and do not even provide a phone rental/calls service, though I believe O2 may start doing so soon.

Note that in all cases when you go to any kind of broadband (BT Wholesale or LLU) then your line is connected primarily to the broadband kit. The phone service in the exchange is then also connected to the broadband kit in order to get a phone service to you.

Edited by RobertoS (Mon 28-Sep-09 23:43:27)