Promoting Competition in Services over Telecommunication Networks

CONTENTS

Consultation

Introduction

Chapter 1: Introduction and definitions

Definitions. Prices . Accounting separation applied to BT for regulatory purposes . Retail price flexibility based on volume discounts: why this will not work

Chapter 2: Pressures for change and Oftel's objectives

European Union (EU) Directives . Oftel's objectives

Chapter 3: Telecommunications markets and current regulation

Network services . Basic retail services . Enhanced services . Current regulatory framework

Chapter 4: Issues on which Oftel is not proposing major change

Structural separation . Unfair cross subsidy and undue discrimination issues . Should independent service providers be charged the same as network operators? . Future policy on Relevant Connectable System (RCS) status . Effects of current regulation on BT

Chapter 5: Proposals for change: prices for independent service providers

Determination option . Freedom for BT to discriminate . Independent service providers: distinctions within the category

Chapter 6: Proposals for change: split between BT's Systems Business and its Supplemental Services Business

Systems Business . Supplemental Services Business . Other potential changes for independent service providers: Controlled Routing Services . Accounting requirements

Chapter 7: Conclusions and questions

ANNEXES:

Annex A: Relationships between BT's accounting entities and markets

Annex B: Summary of responses to Oftel's Consultative Document A Framework for Effective Competition Chapter 13 - Service Providers

Annex C: Glossary of terms

Annex D: Timetable for consultations on service providers and Oftel's review of price controls