Crack open a warm can of lager and pop open a packet of cheese and onion crisps - local loop unbundling is alive and kicking and taking off in the UK.

BT has just confirmed there are now "about 200" unbundled phone lines in the UK – a staggering leap from the "150 or so" quoted until recently.

This latest milestone is a triumph for all those involved. Shirley, it’s worthy of shum comment from the e-minister or the head boy of Oftel. No? ®