Ref: 21/02/
Date: 18 April 2002

Ensuring consumers get the best deal possible through effective competition is at the heart of Oftel’s work programme for 2002-3, published today.

Oftel’s Management Plan sets out the wide range of projects and programmes that Oftel will take forward over the coming year.

David Edmonds Director General of Telecommunications said today:

"Oftel faces an immense amount of work over the coming year.

"This includes work to encourage competitive broadband markets and preparation for the new communications regulator Ofcom.

"Another major area will be the various market reviews that Oftel will undertake as part of the process to implement the new EC Communications Directives.

"Oftel continues to promote both network and service competition, so operators can compete at all levels of telecoms markets for the benefit of consumers.

"The views of stakeholders including residential and business consumers and the telecoms industry have been important in helping Oftel prepare its new Management Plan."

Note to Editors

Oftel Management Plan 2002-3 is published on Oftel’s website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/mapl0402.htm. Hard copies are available to the media from Oftel’s Press Office, tel 020 7634 8992, and to the public from Oftel’s Research and Information Unit, tel 020 7634 8761.