Many owners of local loops are public utilities that hold a natural monopoly.
The emphasis is on the local loop also known as the "last mile".
The local loop, by contrast, is considered an integral part of its business.
Telecom had a monopoly on the local loop until very recently.
The local loop costs the same no matter how much or how little traffic you use.
There has always been trouble with the rival independents, and in the local loops.
That first section is put together out of local loop trails and was officially opened in October, 2008.
"We're trying to break down a 100-year-old monopoly in the local loop and it's not going to be surrendered easily."
But I agree with your concern that the question of the local loop is the biggest issue this year.
Telephone lines also carry balanced audio, though this is generally now limited to the local loop.