Publication of new updated information to help consumers make informed choices about their fixed line telephone service has been welcomed by Oftel today.

www.phonebills.org.uk, the industry website to help residential consumers compare how much they would pay with different telephone companies in their area, has been updated with the latest pricing information.

New information on the quality of service from 13 fixed line telephone companies including service provision, faults, fault repair and customer satisfaction has also been published today.

The information is contained in updated residential and business Comparable Performance Indicators (CPI) booklets which are published by the telecoms industry.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications said:

" Today's publication of information on pricing and quality of service will help consumers make informed decisions about choosing the best telephone company that meets their needs.

"I am pleased that companies are providing more clear and accessible information for consumers on pricing and quality of service.

"I support the work the industry is doing to improve these initiatives, such as more companies planning to join www.phonebills.org.uk and the development of summary CPI booklets for residential consumers.

"I have also initiated work to examine how www.phonebills.org.uk can be enhanced to cover information on second lines, broadband services, and the bundling of services."


Notes to editors:

1. The new tariffs published today on www.phonebills.org.uk are as at 2 April 2001, and include the tariffs of BT, Eurobell, Atlantic Telecom, Kingston, Telewest, and World Online. ntl has withdrawn from the initiative, but will continue to be involved in the work Oftel has initiated to examine how www.phonebills.org.uk can cover information on second lines, broadband services, and the bundling of services.

2. The independent pricing consultants Analysys produced the model that compares prices and manage the Phonebills website.

3. Comparable Performance Indicators, Business and Residential, January to June 2000 are published today by UniTech on behalf of the industry. Copies of Comparable Performance Indicators are available from UniTech by e-mailing cpi@cpi.org.uk, telephoning 0131 472 5555, or faxing 0131 472 5556. Alternatively UniTech can be contacted at Vigilant House, 120 Wilton Road, London, SW1V 1JZ. The publications are also available on the Internet from the following website: http://www.cpi.org.uk.

4. The companies reporting in the CPI publications are: BT, Cable & Wireless, COLT, Energis, Eurobell, Global TeleSystems, Kingston Communications, MCI WorldCom, Norweb Telecom, ntl, Thus, Telewest Communications and Torch Communications.

5. The requirements for participating in CPI and Phonebills are different. Therefore, no conclusions should be made from a company appearing in one publication and not in another.

6. Before making any final purchasing decisions, consumers should also check other issues such as the range of products and services offered and availability in their area.