Oftel and the Advisory Committees on Telecommunications (ACTS) today welcomed publication of It’s your call, Ricability’s new guide to telecom services for older and disabled customers.

The new consumer guide was launched today at a seminar held at Oftel. It is based on Ricability’s survey of the services provided by the eight largest UK network operators for older and disabled users, for example free directory enquiries and alternative billing formats.

As well as providing information for consumers, the survey will help Oftel to assess whether fixed operators are meeting the requirements of the Regulations on telecoms services for disabled people which came into force in October 2000, and to assess to what extent mobile operators are voluntarily meeting the same objectives.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications said:

"Ricability’s impartial survey will help many consumers find out which operators offer the services they need.

"I am very encouraged to see that network operators are taking positive steps to provide services for older and disabled people."

Bob Twitchin, Chairman of the Advisory Committee on Telecommunications for Disabled and Elderly People (DIEL), who chaired the seminar, said:

"DIEL commends Ricability for its work, along with the network operators that helped fund the project with DIEL and Oftel.

"The survey will increase awareness and encourage new and improved services by helping to identify gaps in provision."

Notes to editors

1 Ricability specialises in carrying out research and publishing unbiased information for older and disabled consumers. Ricability was founded by the Consumers’ Association and is chaired by Graham Corbett CBE. Copies of guides can be obtained by contacting Ricability at 30 Angel Gate, City Road, London EC1V 2PT, telephone: 020 7427 2460, textphone 020 7427 2469. Tape, large print text and Braille versions are also available. Ricability’s wesite is at www.ricability.org.uk.

2 The Advisory Committee on Telecommunications for Disabled and Elderly People (DIEL) is one of the six Advisory Committees on Telecommunications (ACTs) set up under the Telecommunications Act 1984. DIEL represents the interests of older and disabled telecommunications consumers to the Director General of Telecommunications.

3 On 2 October 2000 The Telecommunications (Services for Disabled Persons) Regulations 2000 came into force. See the DTI’s press release of 11 September 2000, Better phone services for disabled people – Hewitt.

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