subject: What Is Unbundled Broadband And Does It Matter? [print this page] There's a lot of talk these days about whether your broadband is unbundled or bundled but what does that mean and does it matter?
For example, Orange to integrate its fixed line network with BT looks set to be welcomed by the thousands of customers who left the provider due to network problems and poor customer service.
Meanwhile, Talk Talk has announced that it will be unbundling nearly 300 telephone exchanges increasing its network coverage to 90 percent of the country.
Why should we care about either of these developments?
The answer is that the UK's broadband network is owned, almost in total, by BT.
BT are responsible for taking care of the whole network and it just rents out parts of ADSL cables to broadband providers.
With an unbundled exchange broadband providers can go one step further and install their own technology in the exchange so they can offer faster speeds and a greater range of broadband deals which helps to keep prices down.
So in the case of Orange, a few years ago they were in real trouble losing customers hand over fist, whilst still holding firm as the UKs fifth largest broadband provider the company dropped below 1 million customers for the first time in a decade.
In this case, looking after an unbundled exchange had got too much for the company so going back to non-LLU broadband could allow them to concentrate on customer service instead.
In the case of Talk Talk, taking further steps to improve an unbundled network will just allow them to bring their products to more customers.
The provider is currently managing 1700 telephone exchanges the announcement will see Talk Talk unbundle a further 300 exchanges bring the grand total to 2000 exchanges increasing its coverage to 90 percent of the country.
Further expansion plans by Talk Talk also include increasing its network capacity by 50 percent, expecting an increased usage during the 2010 world cup.
Many are expected to take advantage of the BBC and ITV's live streaming of the matches via their websites.
A good and fast connection is essential to ensure smooth viewing experience; this will give all the providers a chance to show what their connections can really do.
So to recap there are three reason why it matters whether your home broadband is unbundled or from a bundled or non-LLU exchange.
First, unbundled exchanges offer the fastest broadband via ADSL.
Second, unbundled exchanges offer the cheapest broadband because they're the most competitive.
Third, poorly managed unbundled broadband can lead to problems with your connection.
