UNE-P (unbundled network element-platform)
The FCC rule requiring ILECs to make their network facilities available to competitors at rates determined by state public utility commissions.
It gets its name because ILEC competitors are allowed to purchase network infrastructure, such as loops, switches and lines, separately, at a discount (this allows competitors to offer services without actually installing any of their own lines to customers.
ILECs complain UNE-P effectively makes them subsidize competitors; competitors argue that UNE-P was a part of the deal the ILECs made during negotiations over the 1996 telecom deregulation act in exchange for being allowed to get into the long-distance market.
Additional resources
ILECs are crying wolf over regulation
Johnson doesn't buy the ILEC argument that UNE-P is hurting them and their customers. Network World, 10/14/02.
Triennial Review Fact Sheet
Covad paper that includes an overview of UNE-P.
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