Plusnet turns to Tiscali for LLU

Unbundled broadband on trial

PlusNet is to piggyback onto Tiscali's unbundled broadband network in what's believed to be Tiscali's first deal as a wholesale LLU provider.

As part of the trial Sheffield-based Plusnet will be looking to test ADSL2+ technology to provide punters with speeds of up to 24 meg.

The tie-up with Tiscali mirrors a similar deal PlusNet has struck with another local loop unbundling (LLU) operator Easynet, which is being acquired by satellite broadcaster Sky for £211m.

In a statement Nathan Francis, head of Tiscali UK Business Services said that the link up was "consistent with our strategy to build on our existing wholesale base and become a leading supplier of wholesale broadband services to the industry".

Seven months ago Tiscali announced plans to plough €90m (£61m) into unbundled broadband services in the UK over the next three years as part of a renewed effort to secure a sizeable share of this ever-growing sector.

The ISP plans to have unbundled 200 exchanges by the end of the year with some 600 wired up by the end of 2006. ®