The CEO of Bulldog Communications - one of the companies that is still committed to local loop unbundling (LLU) - has hit back at fears that co-mingling would pose a security threat.

Richard Greco told The Register that security fears over the planned installation of a rival telco's equipment in BT exchanges - known as "co-mingling" - was little more than a "smokescreen".

"BT should treat local loop operators as it treats itself. All we want is a level playing field," said Mr Greco, who believes equal access to BT exchanges would help bring down the cost of LLU.

And he scoffed at BT's fears that contractors might interfere - deliberately or otherwise - with other operators' equipment arguing that many telcos use the same sub-contractors as used by BT.

Telecoms regulator, Oftel, has published proposals that would allow operators to cut significantly the costs involved in local loop unbundling (LLU) by installing their kit in operational parts of BT's exchanges.

However, BT believes the measures are a security risk and said it will oppose the plans. ®

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