Interesting that we only get to see one side of the LLU argument here. What you don't see (unless you read the overseas media) is all the ugly incumbent behaviour when it comes to charging for use of the copper. See, you can ULL but the incumbent is going to get the money back off you some how.
Take Australia for example which is held up as the shining light of LLU. Media are today reporting that Telstra last Friday increased the charge to rent the copper between a home and a telephone exchange for wholesale customers.
Optus, Primus and iiNet are currently paying $22 p/line p/month in cities. Telstra have now increased this to $30 p/line p/month.
Now interestingly enough iiNet own ihug and ihug have been very vocal about the need for LLU in NZ.
You have to wonder how do you make a buck when Telstra charge you $30 for each copper line and thousands to co-locate DSLAMS in their exchanges? Remembering this is before you whack on your own margin.