Ref: 57/02
Date: 06 October 2002

Oftel today welcomed the launch of a new website to help consumers compare the performance of different fixed line phone companies.

Customers can use the information to help decide which telephone company best meets their needs.

The website - www.cpi.org.uk - is run by the telecoms industry and is set out in a new, easy-to-use, interactive format.

Consumers can now enter their postcode and compare how well the main telecoms operators in their area complete orders, deal with faults, handle complaints, and deal with billing issues.

The most recent comparisons are for January to June of this year.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications said today:

"It is essential that consumers have easy access to information so that they can decide which telephone company best meets their needs. The new website provides exactly that.

"Over a thousand people already use www.cpi.org.uk each week to compare the performance of different phone companies. In its new format I expect this figure to rise as more people take advantage of this useful information.

"The website is now much more user-friendly, allowing users to enter their postcode to find information appropriate to their area.

"All the main fixed line operators are now involved in the initiative and I expect the site to develop further with ongoing improvements to the data and more indirect access operators signing up in the near future."

www.cpi.org.uk is part of the Comparable Performance Indicator initiative run by the Telecoms Industry Forum. Hard copies of the residential comparisons are also available from local libraries, and by phoning 0131 472 5555 or sending an e-mail to cpi@cpi.org.uk.

Notes to editors

1. Comparisons on the site cover three six-month periods starting January 2001. The Telecoms Industry Forum will continue to update the site every six months.