Is the case for structural separation of the local loop persuasive?

This paper responds to continuing arguments about the necessity for structural separation of the telecommunications local loop. It attempts to strike a balance by stressing that in fact a wide range of questions are yet to be answered. And the onus is fairly placed on the proponents of structural separation to provide persuasive answers proving that the drastic action they call for is necessary. In addition, many of the benefits of structural separation are unquantifiable and, indeed, conjectural, while the costs of this severe measure are more certain and substantial. Moreover, while seemingly simple in concept, there is a formidable range of difficulties relating to the implementation of structural separation.