Ref: 09/00
Date: 21 February 2000

Oftel has today published its proposed programme of work for 2000/2001 to deliver its goal of enabling consumers to get the best deal possible from telecoms companies.

Major market reviews of Internet access and mobile phones, work on local loop unbundling and decisions on the BT price controls are among the important work Oftel will undertake.

The draft 2000/1 Management Plan sets out the way in which Oftel intends to implement its new strategy to move to lighter-touch regulation as competition develops, while continuing to protect and inform consumers when necessary.

Oftel is now seeing views from consumers, consumer groups, and the telecoms industry on its proposed work programme.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications said today:

"Oftel’s draft Management Plan, with its wide range of activities, takes into account the rapid pace of convergence. The Government will publish a White Paper on reforming telecommunications and broadcasting regulation later this year.

"Oftel’s coherent approach to regulation, as set out in our new strategy and draft Management Plan, will provide a useful context for decisions the Government makes on future communications regulation.

"The consultation on Oftel’s proposed Management Plan for 2000/01 is a key opportunity for consumers and industry to contribute to Oftel’s policy development.

"This year’s consultation is especially important as the 2000/1 Management Plan represents the first step implementing Oftel’s new strategy of withdrawing from regulation where markets are effectively competitive.

"The telecoms market is developing rapidly both in terms of increasing competition and convergence with other markets and technologies. We need to make sure these positive changes happen as quickly as possible, by regulating only where it is necessary and beneficial to consumers.

"The draft Management Plan also sets out how Oftel will work with the industry to provide more transparent price and quality of service information, similar to the website set up to allow residential customers to compare phone bills with the different telecoms companies in their area."

Note to Editors

1. Proposals for Implementing Oftel’s Strategy: Draft Management Plan for 2000/01 is available from Oftel’s website. Copies are also available to the media from Oftel’s Press Office on 0171-634 8991 and to the public from Oftel’s Research and Intelligence Unit on 0171-634 8761.

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