Sky moves to fully unbundled network

Sky is to assume end-to-end control of its telephony network by switching from the shared access model of local loop unbundling to being fully unbundled.

At present, the shared access model sees Sky in the role of broadband internet provider share the phone line with BT. The fully unbundled model, which will be offered to both new and existing customers who take Sky Talk Line Rental and Sky Broadband, uses Sky's unbundled equipment exclusively.

"We have built a new state-of-the art network which uses Local Loop Unbundling (LLU) to give us end-to-end control of your broadband and phone service, instead of 'renting' the connection from another provider," explained Sky in a notification about the changes sent to customers. "We're using the latest technology to offer you a great experience and to offer you new features in the future, such as managing your voicemail through Sky.com. Carrying voice and internet signals over our own network also means we can offer unbeatable value for money. You don't have to do a thing - we're transferring Sky Talk and Sky Broadband customers to our new network automatically, with minimal disruption to your connection. Your account details, including your home phone number, email address and username will all stay the same. Your Sky TV service will not be affected."

New customers who take Sky Talk Line Rental and Sky Broadband will go on the new network, and all existing customers who wish to transfer will be able to do so before the end of the year. Sky said that where possible, the transfers will be completed at night to avoid disruption.

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