Oftel Lays Down Framework For New Super-Regulator

Oftel has introduced an new regulatory framework to protect the interests of consumers in the rapidly changing communications sector.

The telecoms regulator has developed the regulations over the last 18 months, in line with EU legislation, to cover converging communications services such as interactive television, email and text messaging.

The new framework is intended to create more choice, better quality of services and lower prices for consumers through increased competition. All telecoms licences have also been abolished and replaced by a set of requirements on operators of electronic communications networks and the service providers that use them.

Dave Edmonds, Oftel’s director general of telecommunications, said: “This is a major event as Oftel is putting in place a completely new regulatory framework for the UK communications sector.”

He added: “Businesses will also benefit as the new framework requires Oftel’s actions to be consistent, proportionate and targeted only at cases where intervention is required. National regulators will work together to establish common approaches and remedies for regulation.

The new framework will provide the basis for regulation by Ofcom, when its assumes responsibility at the end of this year under the Government’s recently passed Communications Act (see Parliament Finally Green Lights Communications Act).

E-commerce Minister, Stephen Timms, said: “The Communications Act is the lynchpin to liberalising a market currently worth over £12 billion of investment a year. The directives that come into effect today under that Act mark a gear change in delivering greater choice for consumers in an environment that thrives on competition and protects the diversity and plurality of our media.”

Earlier this week Oftel ruled that BT must bring down the amount it charges operators to use its network, in a move that could see the cost of unmetered dial-up internet access reduced by service providers (see Oftel’s BT Ruling Should Bring Down Dial-Up Internet Costs).

Oftel: 020 7634 8761 www.oftel.gov.uk

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