Telecoms regulator OFTEL have allowed a move that would allow consumers to gain access to separate high-speed data services without having to change to a different service provider. Consumers could choose to use a higher bandwidth from a competing operator whilst retaining existing services with their current provider such as BT or Kingston Communications.

This means that shared access will allow easier access for competitors into the market and also operators to have the option of providing services such as fast internet access, video-on-demand or high-speed data transfer over the unbundled loop.

By allowing two operators to provide diferent services over the one telephone line will allow customers to gain access to separate high-speed data services without having to change their voice service provider and companies to offer DSL services without voice telephony.