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2002

Leading telecommunications and Internet services provider, THUS Group plc (THUS), today welcomed the industry regulator's determination requiring BT to offer broadband ADSL interconnection services.

THUS Chief Executive, Bill Allan, commented:

"This is an important breakthrough for genuine infrastructure based competition. It will allow THUS and other alternative operators to use their own networks to provide a range of innovative products for business. We should now have the ability to differentiate our products on functionality, service quality and price."

"OFTEL has decided that THUS's request for constant bit rate services (CBR) is reasonable and have required BT to offer those services within 56 days. OFTEL has also required that BT allow THUS to trial symmetric DSL (SDSL) services. This should enable DSL to compete head on with leased lines, potentially lowering costs for UK businesses."

"Strong and timely regulatory action is essential to provide UK businesses with the services that provide them with a competitive edge. We are disappointed that it has taken OFTEL six months to confirm the findings of their December draft determination. Now that the decision has been made, we trust BT will now work in good faith with the industry to roll out these services as quickly as possible to the benefit of the UK economy."

"THUS is a leading provider of broadband DSL services to UK businesses, has led the way in negotiations with BT over product enhancements, and is the first operator to have completed a trial of DSL interconnect with BT. We believe we are exceptionally well placed to take advantage of this exciting new development."