Ref :
49/00
Date
: 5 July 2000
Oftel’s
wide range of work over the past year to enable consumers to get the
best deal possible is set out in Oftel’s annual report for 1999
which is published today.
Major
achievements by Oftel over the year include:
- Action to require
BT to unbundle its local loop to allow other operators to upgrade
BT’s local telephone network to provide high speed information
services to consumers and small businesses;
- Encouraging the
telecoms industry to introduce innovative new pricing packages for
Internet access including unmetered access;
- Producing greater
information for consumers including the new fixed line price comparison
website www.phonebills.org.uk;
and
- Developing a
new lighter touch approach to regulation where effective competition
is delivering the best deal for consumers.
Announcing
the publication of Oftel’s annual report David Edmonds, Director
General of Telecommunications, said:
"There
has been huge growth and rapid change throughout 1999 in the UK’s
telecoms market, which has presented many challenges for Oftel.
"Encouraging
the early introduction of new high speed information services and cheaper
Internet access for consumers have been two major projects for Oftel
over the year.
"15
million adults now regularly access the Internet – more than any
other country in Europe - with recent OECD figures showing UK Internet
access prices for residential consumers amongst the lowest in the world.
"Following
a major review of the mobile market, Oftel is now monitoring price changes
for calls from mobile phones. The results show that our policy of encouraging
competition is bringing prices down rapidly for consumers.
"In
addition, 1999 saw the start of Oftel's regular review of price controls
on BT’s residential calls and wholesale rates.
"Oftel
has also worked with the industry and consumer groups to make sure that
consumers have clear information on the type and price of services available
to them. These include the fixed line price comparison website, mobile
network performance surveys and telecoms advice for small businesses.
"Oftel
made a major contribution to the EU’s review of communications
regulation and developed a new strategy which will bring a more focussed
approach to regulation in the UK."
Notes
to Editors
1.
Oftel’s 1999 Annual Report is published by The Stationery Office
Limited, House of Commons printing number HC496 and can be purchased
for £15. Limited copies are available for Journalists and can obtained
by contacting the Oftel Press Office on 020 7634 8991.
2.
The Director General of Telecommunications is required under Section
55 of the Telecommunications Act 1984 to provide a report to the Secretary
of State for Trade and Industry for the period 1 January to 31 December
each year.
3.
Further information on Oftel’s activities is available on the website
at: http://www.oftel.gov.uk
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