Ref: 74-02
Date 18 December 2002

Oftel has today published its draft programme of work for 2003/04. This is likely to be its final work programme before it combines with the other communications regulators to form Ofcom.

The draft management plan sets out Oftel’s projects and programmes for the year ahead to achieve the best deal for consumers, and looks at a number of key areas of work that will be developed during the coming year.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said today:

"Subject to Parliamentary approval, Ofcom is likely to take over from Oftel in Autumn 2003. So this will be Oftel’s final and quite possibly most important programme of work.

"Oftel will review the telecoms market as part of the work to implement the new EC regulatory framework for electronic communications which comes into force in July. This new framework will provide the platform for Ofcom’s regulation of the communications industry.

"Other work issues discussed in the draft workplan include putting greater incentives on BT to support competition and introducing the new four month timetable to resolve complaints from operators."

Oftel welcomes comments on its work plan from all those with a stake in the success of the UK electronic communications market, including consumer groups, telcos, service providers, other regulators and Government.

The closing date for comments on the management plan 2003/4 is 31 January.

Oftel has also published its statement on Consumer Protection Policy Reviews today, following a consultation with stakeholders.

Oftel will use the Consumer protection policy review guidelines to review policy areas not covered by other market reviews or competition policy. One example is the review of handling consumer complaints and the publication of information aimed at consumers.

Notes to editors

1. Oftel's DraftManagement Plan 2003/4 is published on Oftel’s website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/about_oftel/2002/manp1202.htm. and the Consumer protection policy review guidelines are at: www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/about_oftel/2002/cppr1202.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.