Ref: 48/02
Date: 23 July 2002

Oftel has received widespread support from its stakeholders, including the telecoms industry and consumer groups, to continue with its current data collection process.

In a statement published today, Oftel confirmed that it will continue to collect information from the telecoms industry on a quarterly basis, but will make a number of changes to reflect recent market developments and the introduction of the new European Directives.

Oftel will continue to gather market information from a wide range of operators and service providers, and will increase the amount of data it collects on new services such as broadband.

Oftel will target more carefully the information that it requests from operators so to avoid asking for irrelevant or redundant data. Oftel does not wish to place an unnecessary burden on the industry.

Market information will also be used by Oftel in its programme of market reviews which will be carried out as part of the implementation of the new European Directives.

Oftel needs to collect market information regularly, for example call revenues and subscriber numbers, to ensure that its data remains up-to-date so it can make informed policy decisions.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said today,

"Oftel must have relevant and up-to-date market information to hand to ensure it makes effective regulatory decisions and maintains a comprehensive overview of the UK telecoms markets.

"For example, Oftel used market information extensively in its recent decision on the future of BT price controls.

"Market information will be a key component of the forthcoming programme of European Union market reviews.

"Oftel will take steps to ensure that the information it requests is effectively targeted so that it does not place an unnecessary burden on the industry."

Notes to Editors:

1. Developing a strategic approach to market information: Conclusions from a review of Oftel’s regular industry data collection is available on Oftel’s website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/market_info/2002/info0702.htm. Hard copies are available to the media from Oftel’s Press Office on 020 7634 8991 and to the public from Oftel’s Research and Information Unit on 020 7634 8761.

2. This statement follows a statutory consultation that was launched in January 2002.