| Draft Oftel Management Plan 2002/3 - 19 December 2001 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Contents
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Target |
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Effective competition benefiting consumers objective Increase the extent to which the market is effectively competitive or effective competition is in prospect |
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Well informed consumers objective Increase:
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Adequately protected consumers objective All consumers protected by:
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Prevention of anti competitive practice objective encourage and secure a reduction in significant anti-competitive practice by taking effective action |
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Overall spending on Oftel will deliver value for money |
Lessons learnt
1.9 We have learned:
External developments impacting on strategy
1.10 There have been some major changes in the external environment:
1.11 Oftel’s strategy has been robust in the face of those changes; but we now need to update it. Strategy issues in relation to the new EU framework, broadband and OFCOM are considered in Chapter 2.
Improving the applicability of strategy principles
1.12 Oftel has identified regulatory principles to provide clarity and predictability. There need to be updated (see Table 2 below).
Table 2: Improving applicability of strategy principles
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Summary of original principle |
Improvement in applicability |
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(i) minimum regulation necessary |
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Effective competition – benefiting consumers
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Well informed consumers (iv) Encourage consumer awareness and
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Adequately protected consumers
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Prevention of anti competitive practice
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*due to be published January-March 2002 (see below).
Improving strategy implementation processes
1.13 Three key processes also need to be updated. These are set out in below.
1.14 First, in assessing policy options, Oftel will have an approach that meets Government's Regulatory Impact Assessment (RIA) and consumer groups' Customer Impact Assessment (CIA) requirements while recognising that we are an independent sectoral regulator with EU Directive requirements, and specific statutory duties.
1.15 Second, market analyses (incorporating existing effective competition review) will:
1.16 Third, Oftel will develop a non-market reviews (NMRs) methodology to
Introduction
2.1 Oftel's needs to ensure its direction is clear when addressing new challenges. Key among these will be:
Aligning Oftel's strategy with new EU Directives
2.2 The strategy needs to align with the framework in the five new EU Directives on regulation of electronic communications (Framework, Access and Interconnection, Authorisation, Universal Service and Communications Data Protection Directives) (see Appendix 2).
2.3 The Directives take effect early in 2002 and there is 15 months in which to transpose the directives into national law. Oftel will work with other regulators and the Commission to ensure consistency. There will be changes needed in our internal processes. Market analyses will be obligatory before regulatory rules are imposed under the new Directives, and our programme of analyses begins in 2002/3.
2.4 There are two related projects in relation to the EU Directives: to oversee the implementation programme of work; and to co-ordinate the market analyses.
2.5 The Framework Directive sets three objectives for regulatory authorities:
2.6 For 2002/3, these objectives will be our guiding objectives, with the existing objectives being used at the operational level.
Table 3 – Alignment of Oftel objectives with overall EU objectives
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Overall high level Lower level |
1. Promoting competition in networks and services |
2. Contribute to the development of the internal market |
3. Promoting the interests of European citizens |
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A. Effective competition benefiting consumers |
i |
i |
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B. Well informed consumers |
i |
i |
i |
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C. Adequate protection of consumers |
i |
i |
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D. Prevention of anti competitive practice |
i |
i |
2.7 Oftel currently supports the internal market by, for example, tackling barriers to entry. We will work most closely with NRAs and the Commission to ensure consistent application.
Broadband regulatory strategy
2.8 Our strategy needs to be able to provide a coherent basis for new areas of work. A key issue remains appropriate regulation of broadband networks and services to meet emerging consumer demands, and a number of Oftel's
projects and programmes for 2002/3 will relate to this as described in chapter 3. A fuller description of Oftel’s regulatory strategy for broadband can be found on Oftel’s website.
2.9 Oftel’s aim is to enable consumers’ demands for broadband to be met. Large businesses, SMEs and residential consumers all have different needs. Different supply routes and technologies are likely to be needed. Regulation sets the framework. The outcomes will be determined by the actions of commercial firms meeting the demands of their customers.
2.10 Our focus is to meet demands through effective competition at all levels in the provision of broadband services: in infrastructure (ie in access, the middle mile and backbone networks) and in services provided over networks.
2.11 It is vital in developing markets which require large investment that effective competition is promoted through appropriate regulation ie the minimum regulation required to deliver outputs. We must balance incentives to invest and innovate with prevention of excessive pricing.
2.12 For broadband, we will use the generic rules to assess the case for appropriate regulatory action:
2.13 Oftel has:
2.14 The future course of consumer demand for broadband is unclear. Technologies to deliver broadband services are still developing. The future development of the broadband market(s) is uncertain. In such circumstances the regulator needs to be especially sensitive to the impact of intervention on market developments and investment. Our strategy provides a framework to ensure that the impact of regulatory decisions is taken fully into account. This applies equally to our work to prevent anti-competitive behaviour. This will ensure a coherent and predictable approach to regulatory action.
2.15 Oftel will also work with Government departments, to help increase consumer awareness of broadband services. We will work with the Small Business Task Force to provide information; publish bi-monthly briefings on availability and take-up of broadband.
2.16 The regulatory framework should be coherent and predictable. We will continue to monitor availability of broadband services. We will contribute delivering the recommendations of the Broadband Stakeholders Group.
2.17 We will support this work with an extensive programme of data gathering and market analysis.
Looking ahead to OFCOM: key policy issues
2.18 In 2002/3 we will contribute to developing thinking for OFCOM. The combined regulator will enable ‘joined up’ decision making. For example in spectrum trading or in the issue of access to networks for service providers, in particular the interaction between competitive converging markets and requirements for specific types of content to be available to all.
2.19 We shall develop ever closer joint working with our fellow regulators to help develop a consistent, consumer-focused basis for regulation under OFCOM.
Introduction
3.1 The projects and programmes for 2002/03 are described in this chapter. Table 4 lists the projects and programmes by quarter (beginning April-June).
3.2 Any organisation or consumer who wants to discuss a project or programmes should contact the named project or programme manager directly. This applies to
3.3 There are several projects looking at Broadband issues. The relevant projects have been identified below. They are:
Stages of work
3.4 The planned work against objectives and type of activity reflects our focus in each subject area in 200/03. Projects and programmes will contain elements that relate to other objectives and activities.
3.5 Projects are likely to have the sequence of review – implementation – monitoring. The timescale will depend on the scale and complexity of the issue.
3.6 Oftel is committed to monitoring and evaluating its policies to see whether they are achieving the policy objective initially set. This will be on the basis of both pro-active monitoring and response to specific complaints.
3.7 The review cycle for market segments fits with this approach, and the timetable for specific reviews is being revised as part of the work in implementing the new EU framework .
3.8 Where a review, concludes no specific regulatory intervention is necessary, then the cycle of review – implementation – monitoring will end.
Stakeholder involvement
3.9 The scope for stakeholder involvement will vary by subject area. Stakeholders can participate by providing evidence of competition, and comment on which forms of regulatory intervention may be appropriate. For implementation activities, stakeholders may comment on operational details of how a policy is to work in practice. For monitoring activities, stakeholders may be involved eg as an end user in assessing comparative information produced by telcos. For all three stages of review, implementation and monitoring, Oftel will continue to ensure that progress towards the deadlines and outcomes set is maintained at an acceptable pace.
3.10 For the projects and programmes set out in Table 4 below, stakeholders are invited in to indicate where they would like to be involved.
Advisory Committees on Telecommunications and consumer experts
3.11 The Telecommunications Act 1984 establishes a number of committees (the ACTs) to give advice to the Director General, to represent the interests of consumers, and to give emphasis to especially those with least power. The Acts feed in suggestions to Oftel project managers to help Oftel focus on consumer concerns.
3.12 The ACTs respond to Oftel consultations, hold public meetings, meet the Director General and his senior staff, host seminars, participate in Oftel/industry working groups, liaise with other consumer organisations, and publish their views via an independent web site (www.acts.org.uk). They are supported by secretariats in Cardiff, Belfast and Edinburgh, and a small unit within Oftel (see project C8).
3.13 The ACTs are independent of Oftel. Their annual objectives and work plans are therefore not incorporated in Oftel’s Management Plan but are consulted on and published separately. For information please contact the ACT Secretariat on:
e-mail: flora.pieris@oftel.gov.uk tel: 020 7634 5301.
Table 4: Proposed projects and programmes for 2002/03 – summary table
EU objectives: 1. Promoting competition, 2. Contribute to internal market development, 3. Promoting interests of citizensEU objectives 1, 2 and 3 drive lower level Oftel operational objectives as follows: |
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1, 2 |
1, 2 |
2, 3 |
1, 2 |
1, 2, 3 |
A. Effective competition |
B. Well informed consumers |
C. Adequately protected consumers |
D. Prevention of anti competitive practice* |
E. Overall framework of regulation |
ReviewsA1) EU Market reviews programme A2) Broadband regulatory strategy A3) Competition in mobile markets A4) Access to radio spectrum A5) Competition in broadcasting markets A6) Licence condition review programme A7) Partial Private Circuits |
Reviews |
ReviewsC1) Retail price control C2) Consumer codes of practice C3) Mobile termination charges |
ReviewsD1) Developments in Competition Policy D2) Financial Information Systems |
ReviewsE1) Communications Bill E2) General Conditions of Entitlement E3) Research into consumer views E4) Industry data collection |
ImplementationA8) Numbering programme A9) Access to broadband services A10) Wholesale market for unmetered Internet access (via FRIACO) A11) Directory Inquiries Implementation A12) Carrier pre-selection |
ImplementationB1) Raising customer awareness B2) Informing consumers and their advisers B3) Comparable Performance Indicators |
ImplementationC4) Universal service obligation C5) Consumer representations C6) Metering and billing approval scheme C7) Essential Requirements C8) Supporting the Advisory Committees on Telecoms C9) Telecoms Ombudsman scheme |
ImplementationD3 Compliance Casework D4) International Controls D5) Interconnection D6) Retail pricing issues |
ImplementationE5) Developing international relations E6) Stakeholder relationships E7) Implementation of the new EU Directives E8) Oftel Strategy implementation E9) Preparing for OFCOM E10) Better information on companies and markets E11) Telecommunications Code & licensing E12) Regulation and corporate structure |
MonitoringA13) Number portability A14) Network interoperability A15) Internet and e-Commerce |
MonitoringB4) Tariff transparency |
MonitoringC10) Input to other consumer protection legislation C11) Data protection in telecoms C12) Calling line identification |
MonitoringD7) Competition Act Strategy D8) Compliance Monitoring Unit D9) Compliance casework quality assurance |
Monitoring |
Business support
F1) Human resources
F2) Learning and development programme
F3) Budget management programme
F4) Knowledge management (internal communications)
F5) Electronic records management system
F6) IS and IT
F7) Communicating Oftel's work to external audiences
F8) Research and information
List of proposed projects and programmes for 2002/03
Effective competition – benefiting consumers
Reviews
Programme Manager:
Elaine Axby (tel: 020 7634 8915, e-mail: elaine.axby@oftel.gov.uk
Project Manager (strategy and markets):
Nic Green (tel: 020 7634 8891, e-mail: nic.green@oftel.gov.uk)
Project Managers for each individual review to be determined – see also E7
Objective: To ensure that Oftel plays its full part, achieves the right competitive environment for the development of broadband services; and to ensure that the effective competition reviews required by new EU Directives are carried to meet Oftel’s objectives and timetable.
Please note amendment 30 Jan 2002
Objective:
To ensure that the effective competition reviews required when new EU
Directives come into force are carried out in a timely and efficient
manner. Provide on-going assistance to project managers to ensure that
Oftel strategy is applied consistently across reviews and that individual
reviews are carried out in an efficient manner, identifying synergies
across reviews as appropriate
· work with project managers to identify resources and develop
realistic workplans for the reviews
· ensure individual project managers are fully briefed on the
approach and strategy
· track progress on individual reviews and work with project
managers to resolve resource conflicts and gain benefit from synergies
across projects
· work with project managers both formally and informally to
ensure that strategy is applied consistently.
A2 Broadband regulatory strategy (see also projects A7, A9, A10, A15)
Programme Director: Jim Niblett (tel: 020 7634 8780 e-mail: jim.niblett@oftel.gov.uk)
Programme Manager:
Ilsa Godlovitch (tel: 020 7634 8721, e-mail: ilsa.godlovitch@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Trevor Wood (tel: 020 7634 8854, e-mail: trevor.wood@oftel.gov.uk)
Neil Buckley (tel:020 7634, e-mail: neil.buckley@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: to develop and communicate Oftel’s strategy for the promotion of competition in broadband access and services; and to ensure a joined-up approach across Oftel to broadband investigations and policy development.
A3 Competition in mobile markets
Programme Manager:
Elaine Axby (tel: 020 7634 8915, e-mail: elaine.axby@oftel.gov.uk
Other contacts: TBA
Objective: To ensure effective progress towards the development of competition in mobile markets.
A4 Access to the radio spectrum
Project Manager:
Roberto Ercole (tel: 020 7634 8905, e-mail: roberto.ercole@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact: Helen Hicks (tel: 020 7634 5316, e-mail: helen.hicks@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To work with the Radiocommunications Agency (RA) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) policies to ensure that spectrum allocation policy and spectrum pricing promotes the efficient use of the radio spectrum; and to ensure spectrum is used to promote competition in the telecommunications market.
A5 Competition in broadcasting markets
Project Manager:
Ian Moss (tel: 020 7634 8861, e-mail: ian.moss@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Jim Niblett (tel: 020 7634 8780, e-mail: jim.niblett@oftel.gov.uk)
Robert MacDougall (tel: 020 7634 8726 e-mail: robert.macdougall@oftel.gov.uk), Anil Patel (tel: 020 7634 8928, e-mail anil.patel@oftel.gov.uk).
Objective: To develop a policy framework for the promotion of competition in broadcasting markets and to promote understanding of Oftel’s regulatory role eg in regard to conditional access and access control, Electronic Programme Guides (EPGs) and terrestrial transmission. This project will have close links with the ITC and the OFT on the areas of overlapping responsibilities.
A6 Licence review programme
Project Manager:
Michael Richardson (tel:020 7634 8916, e-mail michael.richardson@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Alan Bell (tel: 020 7634 8931, e-mail: alan.bell@oftel.gov.uk)
John Kemp (tel: 020 7634 8855, e-mail: john.kemp@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To maintain an overview of the need for, and effectiveness of, licence conditions and other regulatory obligations. While the focus is directed mainly at BT’s obligations, the project may also have implications for the regulation of other operators of fixed networks.
A 7 Partial Private Circuits
Project Manager: Maeve Gallagher: tel 020 7634 8777, e-mail maeve.gallagher@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
David Black (tel: 020 7634 8822, e-mail:
david.black@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To protect business consumers where there is a lack of effective competition in a key segment of the leased lines market.
(see also projects A2, A9, A10, A15).
Implementation
A8 Numbering programme
Programme Manager:
Ray Thornton (tel: 020 7634 8704, e-mail: ray.thornton@oftel.gov.uk)
Project Managers:
Numbering allocations:
Nicholas Good (tel: 020 7634 5333, e-mail: nicholas.good@oftel.gov.uk)
Numbering administration:
Alan Pridmore (tel: 020 7634 8910, e-mail: alan.pridmore@oftel.gov.uk)
Premium rate services:
Warwick Izzard (tel: 020 7634 8981, e-mail warwick.izzard@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To enable consumers to benefit from competition and new services by ensuring the provision of adequate numbers and numbering ranges. To promote customer choice in numbers through pre-allocation portability and other methods and the introduction of individual number allocations. To promote the efficient management of numbers by operators through number charging to allocate numbers to telecom companies within 28 days in accordance with agreed policy (Q1-Q4).
A9 Access to broadband services (including local loop unbundling)
(see also projects A2, A7, A10 & A15)
Programme Manager:
Jim Niblett: (tel: 020 7634 8780, e-mail: jim.niblett@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
LLU: Trevor Wood (tel: 020 7634 8850, e-mail: trevor.wood@oftel.gov.uk)
LLU: John Russell (tel: 020 7634 8830, e-mail: john.russell@oftel.gov.uk)
ADSL: Alistair Bridge (tel: 020 7634 8782, e-mail: alistair.bridge@oftel.gov.uk)
ADSL: Naaz Rashid (tel: 020 7634 8849, e-mail: naaz.rashid@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: Ensure a coherent regulatory approach to the achievement of effective competition in broadband services. To ensure local loop unbundling (LLU) is implemented in accordance with the EC Regulation on LLU and BT’s licence. To ensure BT rolls out its own Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) products in accordance with its legal obligations.
A10 Wholesale market for unmetered Internet access – Flat Rate Internet Access Call Origination (FRIACO)
(see also projects A2, A7, A9 & A15)
Project Manager:
John Kemp (tel: 020 7634 8885, e-mail: john.kemp@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Brian Malone (tel: 020 7634 8925, e-mail: brian.malone@oftel.gov.uk)
Geoff Brighton (tel: 020 7634 5349, e-mail: geoff.brighton@oftel.gov.uk)
Justin Moore (tel: 020 7634 8859, e-mail: justin.moore@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure that BT complies with Oftel’s Directions in relation to FRIACO at BT’s local and regional exchanges, and to ensure that future arrangements for Internet traffic are robust and avoid congestion problems, including by facilitating progress on Internet Protocol (IP) interconnection for calls to Internet services. Key aspects:
A11 Directory enquiries implementation
Project Manager:
Caroline Wallace (tel: 020 7634 8917, e-mail: caroline.wallace@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Alex Campbell (tel: 020 7634 8970, e-mail: alex.campbell@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To assist the Industry in the implementation of the new arrangements for Directory Enquiries as set out in Oftel’s September 2001 Statement.
A12 Carrier pre-selection (CPS)
Project Manager:
Caroline Wallace (tel: 020 7634 8917 e-mail: caroline.wallace@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Alex Campbell (tel: 020 7634 8970, e-mail: alex.campbell@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure that policy and compliance issues arising from the implementation of permanent CPS are resolved.
Monitoring
A13 Number portability
Project Manager:
Warwick Izzard (tel: 020 7634 8981, e-mail warwick.izzard@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Steve Burniston (tel: 020 7634 5361, e-mail steve.burniston@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To promote effective and sustainable competition in the fixed and mobile markets by ensuring that customers can retain their number(s) (if they wish to do so) when switching between providers of fixed or mobile services.
A14 Network interoperability programme
Project Manager:
Bill Hawkins(tel: 020 7634 8807, e-mail:
bill.hawkins@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Roy Davies (tel: 020 7634 8906, e-mail: roy.davies@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure that interoperability is effectively managed at network and customer interfaces, on the basis of co-regulation with the industry through the Network Interoperability Consultative Committee (NICC). To support the harmonisation of UK interface and interconnection standards. To support the work of various focus groups including the Operators Policy Forum.
A15 Internet and e-commerce
(see also projects A2, A7, A9, A10)
Programme Manager:
Elaine Axby (tel: 020 7634 8915, e-mail: elaine.axby@oftel.gov.uk
Project Managers:
Lucy Rhodes (tel: 020 7634 8836, e-mail: lucy.rhodes@oftel.gov.uk)
Justin Moore (tel: 020 7634 8859, e-mail: justin.moore@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure that the UK regulatory framework is appropriate to encourage the development of the Internet, thereby helping the UK become a world leader in e-commerce.
Well informed consumers
Implementation
B1 Raising Consumer Awareness
Programme Manager:
Chris Rowsell (tel: 020 7634 8890, e-mail: chris.rowsell@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Chris Smithers (tel: 020 7634 8876, e-mail: chris.smithers@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To co-ordinate and optimise Oftel’s work in areas of consumer information including direct Oftel outputs and the encouragement of information from other sources.
B2 Informing consumers and their advisers
Project Manager:
Ritu Manhas (tel: 020 7634 5309, e-mail: ritu.manhas@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Chris Smithers (tel: 020 7634 8876, e-mail: chris.smithers@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To improve the handling of consumer complaints and inquiries by providing consumers and advisory bodies such as Citizens Advice Bureaux, Trading Standards offices and charity organisations with accurate, timely information.
B3 Comparable Performance Indicators (CPIs)
Programme Manager:
Chris Rowsell (tel: 020 7634 8890, e-mail: chris.rowsell@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Chris Smithers (tel: 020 7634 8876, e-mail: chris.smithers@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To help customers to make well-informed buying decisions by ensuring the availability of information on the quality of service of fixed and mobile telephony companies. To improve the availability, visibility and accessibility of this information by working with the industry and consumer groups on a self-regulatory basis.
Monitoring
B4 Tariff Transparency
Programme Manager:
Chris Rowsell (tel: 020 7634 8890, e-mail: chris.rowsell@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Chris Smithers (tel: 020 7634 8876, e-mail: chris.smithers@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure customers have access to clear information on tariffs via a range of services, such as price comparison websites. To ensure that providers of price comparison services are able to access the necessary information.
Reviews
Project Manager:
Peter Culham (tel: 020 7634 8935, e-mail: peter.culham@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Alan Pridmore (tel: 020 7634 8910, e-mail: alan.pridmore@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To protect consumers where competition is not yet effective or in prospect through the implementation, where appropriate, of revised price controls for retail services from 2003, ensuring consistency with outcomes of the price control market review.
C2 Consumer Codes of Practice
Programme Manager:
Chris Rowsell (tel: 020 7634 8890, e-mail: chris.rowsell@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Chris Smithers (tel: 020 7634 8876, e-mail: chris.smithers@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure the production of consumer codes of practice on service delivery issues in line with the government’s proposals in the White Paper on Communications.
C3 Mobile termination charges
Project Manager:
Vince Affleck (tel:020 7634 8819, e-mail: vincent.affleck@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact
Selena Bevis (tel:020 7634 8844, e-mail: selena.bevis@oftel.gov.uk
Objective : To protect consumers through the implementation of regulatory controls on the charges for terminating calls on mobile networks.
Implementation
C4 Universal service obligation (USO)
Project Manager:
Alan Pridmore (tel: 020 7634 8910, e-mail: alan.pridmore@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Rosalind Stevens-Strohmann (tel: 020 7634 8743, e-mail: rosalind.stevens-strohmann@oftel.gov.uk)
Public payphones:
Nigel Humberston (tel: 020 7634 8824, e-mail: nigel.humberston@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure all consumers have access to those telecoms services which are: used by the majority and which are essential to full social and economic inclusion; made available to everybody upon reasonable request in an appropriate fashion and at an affordable price.
C5 Consumer Representations
Project Manager:
Bernice Head (tel: 020 7634 8710, e-mail: bernice.head@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Alistair Cox (tel: 020 7634 8733, e-mail: alistair.cox@oftel.gov.uk)
Michelle Champion (tel: 020 7634 8712, e-mail: michelle.champion@oftel gov.uk)
.
Objective: To deal effectively with consumer complaints and to encourage the industry to deal satisfactorily with consumer complaints in the first instance.
C6 Metering and billing approval scheme
Project Manager:
Bill Hawkins (tel: 020 7634 8807, e-mail:
bill.hawkins@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Roy Davies (tel: 020 7634 8906, e-mail: roy.davies@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To enhance consumer confidence in the accuracy of telephone bills and to give wider consumer protection by an effective Oftel Metering and Billing Systems Approval Scheme. This scheme has been extended to all significant operators, made available to major service providers and broadened in scope to include all material elements of bills as appropriate.
C7 Essential requirements
Project Manager:
Caroline Wallace (tel: 020 7634 8917, e-mail: caroline.wallace@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Keith Bowman (tel: 020 7634 5348, e-mail: keith.bowman@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To strengthen the Director General’s ability to meet his obligations in respect of continuation of supply by completing the publication of (a) guidelines on network security and integrity and (b) criteria for restriction of access to the network on the basis of network security and integrity.
C8 Supporting the Advisory Committees on Telecommunications
Project Manager:
Terry Walker (tel:020 7634 8774, e-mail: terry.walker@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
David Edwards: (tel:020 7634 8773, e-mail:david.edwards@oftel.gov.uk)
Flora Pieris: (tel:020 7634 5301, e-mail: flora.pieris@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To assist the Director General in his duty to promote the consumer interest, by ensuring that the Advisory Committees on Telecommunications (ACTs) are able to provide him with informed advice in accordance with their statutory duty.
C9 Implementation of Independent Telecommunications Ombudsman Scheme
Project Manager:
Rosalind Stevens-Strohmann (tel: 020 7634 8743, e-mail: rosalind.stevens-strohmann@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Chris Rowsell (tel: 020 7634 8890, e-mail: chris.rowsell@oftel.gov.uk);
Chris Handley (tel: 020 7634 8863, e-mail chris.handley@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure that the UK complies with obligations under the RVTD and future European legislation on dispute resolution, in particular by continuing to provide assistance to the Implementation Working Group. The aim is to ensure the successful implementation of an independent industry-funded Ombudsman scheme, free of charge to consumers, which satisfies the criteria of independence, effectiveness, fairness, and public accountability.
Monitoring
C10 Input to other consumer protection legislation
contacts:
NI Equality scheme:
Nigel Humberston (tel:020 7634 8824, e-mail: nigel.humberston@oftel.gov.uk)
Welsh language scheme:
Terry Walker (tel:020 7634 8774, e-mail: terry.walker@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure Oftel meets its statutory obligations in relation to non telecoms specific legislation concerning consumer protection. Specifically to ensure that Oftel’s Equality Scheme is approved by the Northern Ireland Equality Commission and that Oftel meets its statutory obligations under the Welsh language scheme.
C11 Data protection in telecoms
Project Manager:
Nigel Humberston (tel:020 7634 8824, e-mail: nigel.humberston@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Frank Phillips (tel: 020 7634 8871, e-mail: frank.phillips@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure compliance with the requirements of relevant data protection legislation and to input in to the EC review of the Communications Data Protection Directive. To consider with the Information Commissioner the wider implications of the revised Directive on broadcasting.
C12 Calling line identification
Project Manager:
Frank Phillips (tel: 020 7634 8871, e-mail: frank.phillips@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Philip Cobb (tel: 020 7634 8913, e-mail: philip.cobb@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To develop and maintain regulatory arrangements for CLI services across differing technologies that (i) achieve a balance between the benefits they offer to business and residential users and the protection of those users’ privacy rights; and (ii) are sufficiently flexible not to stifle the service’s continuing commercial development.
Prevention of anti competitive practice
Reviews
D1 Developments in competition policy programme
Programme Manager:
John Kemp (tel: 020 7634 8885, e-mail: john.kemp@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Alistair Bridge (tel: 020 7634 8782, e-mail: alistair.bridge@oftel.gov.uk)
David Blocksidge (tel: 020 7634 8995, e-mail: david blocksidge@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To achieve more effective prevention of anti-competitive practices by ensuring that Oftel contributes effectively to the development and implementation of competition policy in the UK and EC.
D2 Financial information systems programme
Project Manager:
Gavin Greenfield (tel: 020 7634 8734, e-mail: gavin.greenfield@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Dave Robinson (tel: 020 7634 8933, e-mail: dave.robinson@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure that Oftel has access to relevant, accurate and timely financial and other information from operators designated as having significant market power, market influence or equivalent, to deal effectively with competition and regulatory issues.
Implementation
D3 Compliance Casework Programme
Programme Manager:
John Kemp (tel: 020 7634 8885, e-mail: john.kemp@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contacts:
Maeve Gallagher (tel: 020 7634 8777, e-mail: maeve.gallagher@oftel.gov.uk)
Tim Cross (tel: 020 7634 5359, e-mail: tim.cross@oftel.gov.uk)
Alistair Bridge (tel:020 7634 8782, e-mail: alistair.bridge@oftel.gov.uk)
Mergers programme:
Michael Knowles (tel: 020 7634 8706, e-mail: michael.knowles@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To prevent anti-competitive practice. To manage casework and to resolve all cases in the minimum possible time. To use the Competition Act wherever appropriate. Cases include: investigation of complaints and own initiative investigations under the Telecommunications Act, Competition Act, and other UK and EU legislation under which the Director General has powers and duties. The programme includes complaints concerning the Internet, broadband, and unfair contract terms; also interconnection disputes and determinations. Mergers programme: Identify significant competition and regulatory issues arising from possible mergers and joint ventures in telecoms and related sectors, and provide timely advice to the competent authorities (OFT, DTI) accordingly.
D4 International controls
Programme Manager :
Vince Affleck (tel :020 7634 8819, e-mail: vincent.affleck@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact : tba
Objective: To enable the full benefit of market forces for the benefit of consumers by withdrawing from detailed regulation as the international market becomes progressively competitive.
D5 Interconnection
Programme Manager:
Vince Affleck (tel: 020 7634 8819, e-mail: vincent.affleck@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Andrew Walker (tel: 020 7634 8909, e-mail: andrew.walker@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To ensure that effective network competition is supported by the effective operation of the UK interconnection regime.
D6 Retail pricing issues
Programme Manager:
Andrew Walker (tel: 020 7634 8909, e-mail: andrew.walker@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Keith Loader (tel: 020 7634 8793, e-mail: keith.loader@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To analyse competition effects of BT’s pricing proposals (including requests for reduced price publication notification periods and below cost pricing)
Monitoring
D7 Competition Act strategy project
Project Manager:
Alistair Bridge (tel: 020 7634 8782, e-mail: alistair.bridge@oftel.gov.uk)
Other contact:
Trevor Wood (tel: 020 7634 8850, e-mail: trevor.wood@oftel.gov.uk)
Objective: To achieve effective