Ref: 11/00
Date: 2 March 2000

Promoting and protecting the best interests of telecoms consumers will continue to be at the heart of Oftel’s work, David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications pledged today.

Commenting on the government’s announcement to remove telecommunications from the Utilities Bill, David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said today:

"The Government’s decision to remove telecommunications from the Utilities Bill will not affect Oftel’s work on behalf of consumers.

"Oftel’s goal is the best possible deal for consumers in terms of choice, quality and value for money. To help us achieve this, Oftel will continue to give consumer advice on individual complaints and disputes and to support the work of the Advisory Committees.

"In light of the government’s decision to take telecommunications out of the Utilities Bill, Oftel will retain its Consumer Representation Section (CRS), which provides a valuable service to all consumers of telecoms services.

"Oftel will also continue to support the four statutory Advisory Committees on Telecommunications for Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and the Communications Council for England. These Committees will carry on representing consumers in the same efficient and responsive way and providing me with valuable advice.

"The interests of the disabled and elderly are separately represented in the regulatory framework through the invaluable work of the Disabled and Elderly Advisory Committee.

"As part of the Government’s review of regulation of the telecoms and broadcasting industries, Oftel will also work with the Government to ensure that we have the right framework for regulation in the 21st century, putting consumer interests at the heart of regulatory work."

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