Local loop unbundling in the Italian network

Unbundling consists of the possibility for a new operator to have special access to an incumbent´s network infrastructure in order to provide value-added services without the necessity to duplicate the infrastructure itself. Local loop unbundling has received the most attention in Europe and in Italy. Most Italian operators are interested mainly in physical access to copper loop, which gives the opportunity to offer broadband services pervasively by exploiting the capabilities of xDSL technology. Technical issues to be faced in offering these services are severe and include loop qualification, interference evaluation, and shortage of available loops. Nonetheless, the Italian case, where more than 20 incoming operators are planning to deploy services on unbundled local loops, demonstrates that this opportunity can be a major driver for the development of the broadband services market.