Ref: 31/01
Date: 2 April 2001

Oftel has today revoked the Order on BT that contained a number of requirements relating to BT's satellite uplinking services and related backhaul circuits.

Satellite uplinking services and backhaul circuits provide a link between a TV studio and a satellite, via BT tower.

The Order, which was made in 1995, required BT to provide backhaul circuits to its competitors on the same terms and conditions as those provided to its own satellite uplinking business.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said today:

"After consultation with the industry and other interested parties, Oftel has concluded that the Order is no longer required. Changes have been made to BT's operating and internal compliance procedures to the extent that breaches similar to those that resulted in the Order are no longer likely.

"Revoking the Order is a de-regulatory measure which is in keeping with Oftel's strategy to regulate only when necessary."

Note to Editors

1. The Revocation and Explanatory Document is available from Oftel's website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/licensing/2001/satu0401.htm. Further information is 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.