Ref: 30/01
Date: 29 March 2001

Promoting greater broadband and narrowband Internet access to consumers is one of a range of initiatives included in Oftel's new work programme published today.

Other work includes taking forward the Government's plans for a new communications regulator and market reviews to ensure the appropriate level of regulation.

The work is set out in Oftel's 2001/02 Management Plan that is published today and aimed at ensuring consumers get the best deal possible for their telecoms services.

Announcing publication David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said:

"Oftel has a wide ranging and challenging programme of work for the year ahead.

"All staff in Oftel are committed to carrying out this work so consumers can get the best deal possible for their telecoms services.

"Oftel has consulted widely on the proposed work and have included a number of useful suggestions from consumers and the telecoms industry.

"An important priority of the work will be to ensure that regulation remains appropriate to the extent of competition in the market place."

Note to Editors

1. Oftel's Management Plan 2001/02 is available on Oftel's website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/about_oftel/mgtp0301.pdf. Copies are available to the media from Oftel's Press office on 020 7634 8991 and to the public from the Research and Intelligence Unit on 020 7634 8761.