The proposals Oftel is consulting on here are a further important step towards the introduction of new interconnection charging arrangements from August 1997. Getting them right is crucial.
The new arrangements will be a landmark in the development of competition in the UK telecoms market. Regulators elsewhere, certainly in Europe and even in the US, are getting more deeply involved in direct regulation of interconnection charges. In the UK, Oftel is pulling back as competition allows. In future, in the UK:
The new framework will, in my view, meet the needs of the UK telecoms market in the future, while retaining appropriate safeguards.
I welcome your views. It is very important.
DON CRUICKSHANK
Chapter 1: Introduction and Overview
Chapter 2: Structure of the Proposed Network Controls
Introduction | Competitive Services | Prospectively Competitive Services | Network Charge Baskets | The Treatment of Other Interconnection Services
Incremental Costs | Starting Charges in the Network Charge Controls | New Network Components
Chapter 4: Framework for the New Changes
Introduction | Controls on Charges | Floors and Ceilings | Information to Support the New Systems | Effects on Interconnection Agreements | Managing the Change.
Chapter 5: Financial Modelling
Assumptions Adopted in the Setting of the Network Controls
Chapter 6: Summary of Questions