A statement issued by the Director General of Telecommunications on Oftel's use of public consultation under the new EU Directives

Contents

Summary

Chapter 1 - Introduction

Chapter 2 - The new EU Directives

Chapter 3 - The way ahead

Annex A - Oftel's national consultation procedures

S.1.In August 2001, Oftel published its statement, Oftel’s use of public consultation, which detailed the way in which Oftel proposed to consult with its stakeholders. This is available on Oftel’s website at: www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/about_oftel/2001/cons0801.htm

S.2.Oftel is now updating this statement in light of requirements being introduced under new European Directives, which were implemented on 25 July 2003. The new European Directives are intended to ensure a harmonised application of the new communications regulatory framework throughout the EU.

S.3.This document therefore seeks to up-date Oftel’s Agust 2001 statement in order to ensure compliance with the new EU regulatory framework. However, it is important to note that there has been no material change to Oftel’s policy as a consequence of this up-dated document.

S.4.The key requirements being introduced by the new EU regulatory framework are:

• where national regulatory authorities intend to take certain measures, in accordance with one of the new Directives, which have a significant impact on the market, they must give interested parties the chance to comment within a reasonable period;
• national regulatory authorities to take into account the views of end-users, including disabled-users, consumers, manufacturers, undertakings providing electronic communications networks and service providers on issues related to end-user and consumer rights in respect of publicly available electronic communications services;
• national regulatory authorities publish their national consultation procedures;
• national regulatory authorities to make certain draft measures, together with the reasoning on which the measures are based, available to the European Commission and to other national regulatory authorities for a period of at least one month;
• the right for the European Commission to delay the implementation of a measure in specified circumstances for a further two months;
• market reviews to be conducted on a regular basis, where appropriate; and
• requirements and procedures which national regulatory authorities must follow when asked to determine disputes between companies which provide electronic communications networks or services. In particular, there is a requirement that national regulatory authority must issue a binding decision to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible and, except in exceptional circumstances, within no more than four months.

S.5.This statement fulfils the obligation on national regulatory authorities to publish national consultation procedures set out in Article 6 of the Framework Directive. These procedures are attached at Annex A.

S.6.It is envisaged that Ofcom will shortly assume all of its duties foreseen by the Communications Act 2003. Oftel expects that Ofcom is likely to issue its own consultation procedures.

Chapter 1

Introduction

The new regulatory framework

1.1.A new regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services entered into force in the United Kingdom on 25 July 2003. The basis for the new regulatory framework is five new EU Communications Directives (‘the EC Directives’):

(i) the Framework Directive (Directive 2002/21/EC) (‘FD’);
(ii) the Access Directive (Directive 2002/19/EC) (‘AID’);
(iii) the Authorisation Directive (Directive 2002/20/EC) (‘AD’);
(iv) the Universal Service Directive (Directive 2002/22/EC) (‘USD’); and
(v) the Privacy Directive (Directive 2002/58/EC) (‘PD’).

1.2.This new regulatory framework is designed to create harmonised regulation across Europe and is aimed at reducing entry barriers and fostering effective competition to the benefit of consumers.

1.3.The Framework Directive provides the overall structure for this new regulatory framework and sets out fundamental rules and objectives which read across all the new directives. As its name suggests, it is the directive that establishes the new framework. Article 8 of the Framework Directive sets out three key policy objectives which have been taken into account in the preparation of this document. These are that national regulatory authorities shall:

(i) promote competition in the provision of communication networks, services and associated facilities;
(ii) contribute to the development of the internal market; and
(iii) promote the interests of EU citizens.

1.4.The Authorisation Directive establishes a new system whereby any person will be generally authorised to provide communications services and/or networks without prior approval. The general authorisation replaces the existing licensing regime. The Universal Service Directive defines a basic set of services that must be provided to end-users. The Access and Interconnection Directive sets out the terms on which providers may access each others’ networks and services with a view to providing publicly available electronic communications services.

1.5.These four Directives were implemented in the UK and other EU member states on 25 July 2003. In the UK, this was achieved via the Communications Act 2003 (‘the Act’). This is available at http://www.communicationsbill.gov.uk

1.6. The Privacy Directive establishes users’ rights with regard to the privacy of their communications. This Directive was adopted slightly later than the other four Directives and has an implementation date of 31 October 2003.

Chapter 2

The new EU Directives

Introduction

2.1.As already explained in Chapter 1, the package of new Directives which will create a new framework for regulation of electronic communication networks and services is intended to ensure a harmonised approach across Europe, although member states will retain some discretion to decide how regulation should be applied. It is in this context, and in order to secure compliance with the new regulatory framework, that Oftel is updating its August 2001 statement on the use of public consultation. The following are requirements Oftel intends to follow when carrying out a consultation exercise under the EC Directives and the Communications Act 2003, where appropriate.

General obligation to consult

2.2. The new Framework Directive is intended to create a common regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services. It recognises that it is important that national regulatory authorities consult all interested parties on proposed decisions and take full account of their comments before adopting a final decision. In this regard, Article 6 of the Directive, requires that where national regulatory authorities intend to take measures, except as otherwise indicated, in accordance with one of the new Directives, which have a significant impact on the market, they must give interested parties the chance to comment within a reasonable period.

2.3. Similarly, Article 33 of the Universal Service Directive requires national regulatory authorities to take into account the views of end-users, including disabled-users, consumers, manufacturers, undertakings providing electronic communications networks and service providers on issues related to end-user and consumer rights in respect of publicly available electronic communications services.

2.4. While it is Oftel’s current practice to engage in public consultation and, in certain specified instances, the Telecommunications Act 1984 and the licences granted under that Act required consultation, the Framework and Universal Service Directives requires a wider obligation to consult such interested parties.

2.5.The Framework Directive also requires national regulatory authorities to publish their national consultation procedures, and Oftel envisages that this Statement or, where appropriate, a subsequent updating, will form the basis of that publication. Oftel’s national consultation procedures are attached at Annex A

2.6.These consultation requirements are reflected in the Communications Act 2003.

General obligation to consult the European Commission and other national regulatory authorities

2.7. As well as requirements to consult with interested parties, Article 7(3) of the Framework Directive requires national regulatory authorities to make certain draft measures, together with the reasoning on which the measures are based, available to the European Commission and to other national regulatory authorities. These additional obligations will apply when the following criteria are met; the draft measure:

2.8. In these circumstances, consultation with the Commission and other national regulatory authorities will be treated as an integral part of Oftel’s consultation process. There must be a consultation period of at least one month, during which time the Commission and other national regulatory authorities may comment. The national regulatory authority must take the utmost account of the comments of other national regulatory authorities and the Commission before adopting such draft measures.

2.9. Under Article 7(6) of the Framework Directive, national regulatory authorities may immediately adopt proportionate and provisional measures of the kind described in paragraph 2.7 above, without prior consultation with the Commission and other national regulatory authorities, but only in exceptional circumstances where there is an urgent need to act in order to safeguard competition and to protect the interests of users. However, Oftel must consult the Commission and other national regulatory authorities before making the decision permanent and before extending the time the measures are applicable.

2.10. These consultation requirements are set out in the Communications Act 2003.

The Commissions right to delay the implementation of a measure

2.11. Having been so consulted, the Commission may under Article 7(4) of the Framework Directive require national regulatory authorities to delay implementation of a measure for a further two months. This period may be extended. Within this period, the Commission may take a decision requiring the national regulatory authority to withdraw the draft measure, together with specific proposals for amending the draft measure, where appropriate.

2.12. The Commission may require a delay only in the following circumstances; where:

Market reviews

2.13. The EC Directives envisage that market reviews will be conducted on a regular basis, where appropriate. However, Oftel’s current practice of normally allowing stakeholders not less than 12 weeks to respond to consultations on market competitiveness will not be appropriate where reviews are repeated frequently, unless the structure of the market, or other fundamental aspects, have changed significantly. Indeed, section 80(4) of the Communications Act states that the minimum period for consultation on reviews of market competitiveness is at least one month. See also paragraphs 3.14 to 3.16 for further information.

Dispute Resolution

2.14. Articles 20 and 21 of the Framework Directive sets out the requirement and procedures which national regulatory authorities must follow when asked to determine disputes between companies which provide electronic communications networks or services. These rules apply to a dispute, between such organisations, which concern obligations arising under one of the new Directives, and not merely to disputes concerning interconnection. In these circumstances, the national regulatory authority must issue a binding decision to resolve the dispute as quickly as possible and, except in exceptional circumstances, within no more than four months.

2.15. Oftel published a joint statement with the Radiocommunications Agency ("the RA’") on 28 February 2003, Dispute Resolution under the new EU Directives, which set out how Oftel and the RA will meet the new deadline for dispute resolution set out in Articles 20 and 21 of the Framework Directive. This statement is available on Oftel’s website at: http://www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/eu_directives/2003/eud0203.htm

  Chapter 3

The way ahead

Management of public consultation

Current practice

3.1. Written consultation plays a central role in the way Oftel carries out its duties. Plans to engage in public consultation are published within Oftel’s annual Management Plan and impending publication of consultation documents is often notified to industry stakeholders at routine open meetings or at meetings convened to discuss the issues before publication. In addition, in some cases a ‘Kick-off Statement’ may be published, before the consultation proper, outlining the scope and methodology of the review. An outline monthly diary which lists the publications planned for that month can also be viewed on Oftel’s website (www.oftel.gov.uk) under the section Press Office. Consultation documents are published on Oftel’s web site and are notified electronically to those on the self-selected e-mail notification list. Further electronic or paper copies are circulated to groups or individuals who may have a particular interest in the subject matter. Copies of consultation documents (and statements) may be made available in large print, Braille and audio format. Non confidential responses to consultation documents can be viewed at Oftel’s London offices and reasonable requests for paper copies are met.

Future practice

3.2. For the foreseeable future, written consultation will continue to play a crucial part in the way Oftel obtains views and information from its stakeholders. However, Oftel will continue to acknowledge that there are many other ways in which views and information can be gathered, and will remain alert to the possibility of taking a more innovative approach to public consultation. For example, Oftel considers that, on occasion, meetings can be used to gather information and views more swiftly and efficiently than formal written consultation.

3.3. Oftel will ensure that, where appropriate, it continues to identify and meet with key stakeholders at an early stage in the preparation of consultation documents. In many instances, the existing industry fora, or sub groups reporting to them, will provide an appropriate forum for early discussion of the issues. Early discussion will ensure that public consultation is generally used as a means to obtain the views of interested parties, and not merely as a mechanism for making transparent Oftel’s internal thought processes. However, Oftel also recognises that this function of making decisions transparent is important, and where it has identified a preferred option before engaging in public consultation this will be made plain when a consultation document is published. Oftel will also ensure that Statements issued at the conclusion of a consultation exercise make clear what account has been taken of the responses made to that consultation exercise.

3.4. Additionally, Oftel will continue to include on its website a rolling diary of events covering the remainder of the Management Plan year. This will be updated weekly to include provisional publication dates for consultation documents, as well as the dates of other events being organised by Oftel. Where appropriate, the diary will include additional information about the issues to be consulted on and the expected target readership, and Oftel hopes that this will make it easier for stakeholders to identify those issues in which they have a particular interest and on which they may wish to respond.

3.5. When a consultation document or statement is published Oftel will also continue to ensure that the date of publication is included on the electronic copy of document and that each document is given a short, but descriptive, title.

3.6. Oftel will also continue to make copies of consultation documents available on disk, so that individuals with computer access can access the information in the format most convenient to themselves. Oftel will also maintain arrangements with organisations providing transcription services so that formats such as large print, Braille and audiocassette can be made available on request. Oftel is mindful of the needs of disabled people, and of its own legal responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and will, of course, continue to make reasonable adjustments to its practices to ensure that disabled people are not discriminated against.

General consultation on regulatory policy and market competitiveness

Current practice

3.7. Oftel generally allows 12 weeks for stakeholders to respond to consultation documents which address matters of general regulatory policy or assessments of competition. In certain circumstances, where the issue has been the subject of successive rounds of consultation (such as the continuing review of controls on BT’s prices); or where urgent intervention is required to resolve a serious breakdown in negotiations between opposing interests (such as occurred on several occasions in the case of local loop unbundling), a lesser period has been allowed, reflecting the particular circumstances.

Future practice

3.8. Where not covered by statutory consultation requirements, Oftel will allow stakeholders to have at least 12 weeks to respond to consultations. However, where necessary, a period of less than 12 weeks will be allowed where, for example, key stakeholders have been contacted, and there is general agreement that 12 weeks is too long. On each such occasion, before publishing the consultation document, Oftel will give stakeholders reasonable notice of its intention, providing an explanation for the proposal to allow a reduced consultation period, and will consider any comments on the proposal. These proposals will be published on Oftel’s web site and will be notified to those on Oftel’s e-mail notification list. (Stakeholders which wish to be included on, or deleted from Oftel’s e-mail notification list, should visit the Whats New section of Oftel’s website www.oftel.gov.uk/whats_new.index.htm).

3.9. Oftel will also continue to apply shorter consultation periods in circumstances such as where delay is likely to cause significant customer detriment or where the issues are subject to a series of linked consultations or where urgent regulatory intervention is required to resolve a serious breakdown in negotiations between opposing interests.

Comments-on-comments

Current practice

3.10. Where followed, the length of time allowed for formal comments-on-comments in relation to consultations on regulatory policy or market competitiveness varies from case to case, depending on the expected volume and complexity of responses and the urgency of the issue. Oftel does, however, publish copies of all non-confidential responses to consultation documents on its website so that, as a minimum, stakeholders may draw Oftel’s attention to any inaccuracies or misrepresentations included in responses made by others. Paper copies will continue to be made available at Oftel’s offices. Oftel endeavours to achieve this publication by the end of the working day after the initial consultation period closes

Future practice

3.11. Oftel does not propose to modify existing practice on the length of time allowed for formal comments-on-comments in relation to consultations. This will continue to vary from case to case, depending on the expected volume and complexity of responses and the urgency of the issue. Additionally, Oftel will continue to publish copies of all non-confidential responses to consultation documents on its website. Paper copies will continue to be made available at Oftel’s offices.

Consultation which precedes the making of determinations in respect of Significant Market Power, Market Analysis and Universal Service

Current practice

3.12. Before making a determination that an operator has Significant Market Power or Market Influence or is a provider of Universal Services, the Director General must conduct a 3-stage 70-day consultation exercise in accordance with paragraph 6 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the relevant PTO licences. This lengthy consultation process often follows a 12 week consultation (and subsequent 14 day period for comments-on-comments) on the market conditions which inform the decision to make the determination. Thus, the total process can often take a minimum of 6 months (excepting the additional time needed by Oftel to evaluate responses and draft the necessary documents).

Future practice

3.13. Oftel has concluded that it is necessary to modify current consultation processes for making notifications of this kind in light of obligations which are required under the Framework Directive and the Communications Act 2003. In particular, Oftel intends to move away from its current practice of conducting a 3-stage 70-day public consultation as set out in the old licences in order to align its procedures with the more streamlined arrangements envisaged by the new Directives and with the practices of other European national regulatory authorities.

3.14. As detailed in paragraph 2.13, Oftel intends to adopt the minimum timescales set out in the Framework Directive, which is for a period of one month. Additionally, in the event that the Commission requires a delay to the implementation of a measure, the timescales will be as set out in paragraph 2.11 of this statement.

3.15. Oftel intends to continue to consult informally on policy proposals before starting the formal consultation process in only the most exceptional of circumstances. Oftel believes that, when a full market review has been carried out, it would be unnecessarily time consuming to add a further layer of consultation before beginning the formal process.

Consultation which precedes the making of directions, approvals, consents and other kinds of similar determinations

Current practice

3.16. Paragraph 4 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to PTO licensees also requires the Director General to notify licensees, with reasons, and give the licensees and interested parties a reasonable opportunity to make representations before a direction, consent or any either kind of determination is made (i.e. determinations other than those referred to in paragraph 3.13 above). Licences do not, however, specify how much time should be allowed for responses to be made, neither do they specify how many stages of consultation should be used. With the exception of consents, Oftel has generally allowed a period of 28 days for representations to be made, followed by a further period of 14 days during which comments may be made on the comments of others.

Future practice

3.17. The legal power to give directions, consents and approvals under conditions, set under section 45 of the Act, is set out in section 49 of the Act (or section 60 of the Act for modifications of documents referred to in the numbering conditions). Oftel notes that such directions, approvals and consents are almost always preceded by commercial contact between the parties and, subsequently, detailed discussion or exchange of correspondence with Oftel. As a consequence, the practice of issuing a draft determination or direction is usually intended to allow the precise details and form of the determination or direction to be commented upon, rather than the broader policy objective debated.

3.18. Oftel therefore considers that a month consultation period should suffice to allow the parties to comment, and therefore Oftel proposes to continue to allow a month for comments to be made on Oftel’s proposed decisions to issue directions, approvals and consents (as required by section 49(5) and 60(4) of the Act).

3.19. As with current practice, it is not intended that a further formal period of 14 days, for comments-on-comments, will generally be built into the process for making directions and determinations of this kind. In exceptional instances where, for example, the issue is expected to be particularly contentious and subject to opposing views from different stakeholder groups, and an iterative approach is expected to be productive, Oftel may specify a formal period for comments-on-comments; this will be made plain when the draft determination or direction is issued. Whether each such determination is preceded by a wider consultation on the issues involved, will depend on whether the making of the determination necessarily involves significant development of regulatory policy. It is likely that, in most instances, this will not be the case.

Dispute resolution

3.20. Oftel does not propose to modify the current approach in respect to dispute resolution as set out in its joint statement with the RA, Dispute Resolution under the new EU Directives, published on 28 February 2003. See paragraphs 2.13 and 2.14 for further details.

Public and industry meetings

Current practice

3.21. Oftel currently hosts an Oftel Forum at approximately three-monthly intervals, which is attended by providers of communications services, representatives communications of equipment manufacturers or trade bodies or network infrastructure providers and trade bodies. General consumer organisations and groups which represent the interests of a specific group of users of communications services are invited to alternate meetings. To keep numbers down to a manageable size, attendance at all meetings will be limited to one delegate per organisation.

3.22. The Oftel Forum is strongly participative, enabling delegates to present their views to Oftel and to each other, and the focus of the agenda is on the impact of regulation on users of communications services. The Forum is used as a means for Oftel to disseminate information about regulatory issues of current concern and to stimulate early consideration of the implications of forthcoming initiatives for each stakeholder group. Delegates are invited to propose agenda items, and are encouraged to offer presentations and lead discussions. Whilst the forum, as such, will not be empowered to take decisions on questions of regulatory policy, it is intended to be influential.

3.23. Other forums Oftel hosts as a means of disseminating information include the Implementation of Directives Stakeholders Group, the Oftel Internet Forum and the Numbering Forum. Oftel also continues to meet with service providers on an ad-hoc basis as and when issues arise.

Future practice

3.24. Oftel intends to maintain its current approach to the use of public and industry meetings. Oftel will continue to host an Oftel forum at approximately three-monthly intervals, and will continue to host issue-specific meetings, such as the Implementation of Directives Stakeholders Group, the Oftel Internet Forum and the Numbering Forum, where appropriate. Additionally, Oftel intends to continue to meet with service providers on an ad-hoc basis as and when issues arise.

3.25. Oftel will continue to explore a wide variety of consultation techniques, with a view to ensuring that public consultation remains an effective and transparent means of achieving Oftel’s goal of the best deal for consumers in terms of quality, choice and value for money.

  Annex A

Oftel’s national consultation procedures

Management of public consultation

1. Written consultation plays a crucial role in the way Oftel obtains views and information from its stakeholders. There are, however, many other ways in which views and information can be gathered, and Oftel remains alert to the possibility of taking a more innovative approach to public consultation. For example, Oftel considers that, on occasion, meetings can be used to gather information and views more swiftly and efficiently than formal written consultation.

2. Oftel will ensure that, where appropriate, it identifies and meet with key stakeholders at an early stage in the preparation of consultation documents. In many instances, the existing industry fora, or sub groups reporting to them, will provide an appropriate forum for early discussion of the issues. Early discussion will ensure that public consultation is generally used as a means to obtain the views of interested parties, and not merely as a mechanism for making transparent Oftel’s internal thought processes. However, Oftel also recognises that this function of making decisions transparent is important, and where it identifies a preferred option before engaging in public consultation this will be made plain when a consultation document is published. Oftel will also ensure that statements issued at the conclusion of a consultation exercise make clear what account has been taken of the responses made to that consultation exercise.

3. Additionally, Oftel will include on its website a rolling diary of events covering the remainder of the Management Plan year. This will be updated weekly to include provisional publication dates for consultation documents, as well as the dates of other events being organised by Oftel. Where appropriate, the diary will include additional information about the issues to be consulted on and the expected target readership, and Oftel hopes that this will make it easier for stakeholders to identify those issues in which they have a particular interest and on which they may wish to respond.

4. When a consultation document or statement is published Oftel will also ensure that the date of publication is included on the electronic copy of document and that each document is given a short, but descriptive, title.

5. Oftel will also make copies of consultation documents available on disk, so that individuals with computer access can access the information in the format most convenient to themselves. Oftel will also maintain arrangements with organisations providing transcription services so that formats such as large print, Braille and audiocassette can be made available on request. Oftel is mindful of the needs of disabled people, and of its own legal responsibilities under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995, and will, of course, continue to make reasonable adjustments to its practices to ensure that disabled people are not discriminated against.

General consultation on regulatory policy and market competitiveness

6. Where not covered by statutory consultation requirements, Oftel will allow stakeholders to have at least 12 weeks to respond to consultations. However, where necessary, a period of less than 12 weeks will be allowed where, for example, key stakeholders have been contacted, and there is general agreement that 12 weeks is too long. On each such occasion, before publishing the consultation document, Oftel will give stakeholders reasonable notice of its intention, providing an explanation for the proposal to allow a reduced consultation period, and will consider any comments on the proposal. These proposals will be published on Oftel’s web site and will be notified to those on Oftel’s e-mail notification list. (Stakeholders which wish to be included on, or deleted from Oftel’s e-mail notification list, should visit the Whats New section of Oftel’s website www.oftel.gov.uk/whats_new/index.htm.).

7. Oftel will also apply shorter consultation periods in circumstances such as where delay is likely to cause significant customer detriment or where the issues are subject to a series of linked consultations or where urgent regulatory intervention is required to resolve a serious breakdown in negotiations between opposing interests.

Comments-on-comments

8. Where followed, the length of time allowed for formal comments-on-comments in relation to consultations on regulatory policy or market competitiveness will vary from case to case, depending on the expected volume and complexity of responses and the urgency of the issue. Additionally, Oftel will publish copies of all non-confidential responses to consultation documents on its website. Paper copies will also be made available at Oftel’s offices.

Consultation which precedes the making of determinations in respect of Significant Market Power, Market Analysis and Universal Service

9. Oftel will adopt the minimum timescales set out in the Framework Directive, which is for a period of one month.

10. Oftel will consult informally on policy proposals before starting the formal consultation process in only the most exceptional of circumstances. Oftel believes that, when a full market review has been carried out, it would be unnecessarily time consuming to add a further layer of consultation before beginning the formal process.

Consultation which precedes the making of directions, approvals, consents and other kinds of similar determinations

11. The legal power to give directions, consents and approvals under conditions, set under section 45 of the Act, is set out in section 49 of the Act (or section 60 of the Act for modifications of documents referred to in the numbering conditions). Oftel notes that such directions, approvals and consents are almost always preceded by commercial contact between the parties and, subsequently, detailed discussion or exchange of correspondence with Oftel. As a consequence, the practice of issuing a draft determination or direction is usually intended to allow the precise details and form of the determination or direction to be commented upon, rather than the broader policy objective debated.

12. Oftel therefore considers that a month consultation period should suffice to allow the parties to comment, and therefore Oftel will allow one month for comments to be made on Oftel’s proposed decisions to issue directions, approvals and consents (as required by section 49(5) and 60(4) of the Act).

13. It is not envisaged that a further formal period of 14 days, for comments-on-comments, will generally be built into the process for making directions and determinations of this kind. In exceptional instances where, for example, the issue is expected to be particularly contentious and subject to opposing views from different stakeholder groups, and an iterative approach is expected to be productive, Oftel may specify a formal period for comments-on-comments; this will be made plain when the draft determination or direction is issued. Whether each such determination is preceded by a wider consultation on the issues involved, will depend on whether the making of the determination necessarily involves significant development of regulatory policy. It is likely that, in most instances, this will not be the case.

Dispute resolution

14. Oftel’s approach in respect of dispute resolution is set out in its joint statement with the RA, Dispute Resolution under the new EU Directives, published on 28 February 2003. This statement is available on Oftel’s website at: http://www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/eu_directives/2003/eud0203.htm

Public and industry meetings

15. Oftel will host an Oftel forum at approximately three-monthly intervals, and will host issue-specific meetings, such as the Implementation of Directives Stakeholders Group, the Oftel Internet Forum and the Numbering Forum, where appropriate. Additionally, Oftel will meet with service providers on an ad-hoc basis as and when issues arise.

16. Oftel will explore a wide variety of consultation techniques, with a view to ensuring that public consultation remains an effective and transparent means of achieving Oftel’s goal of the best deal for consumers in terms of quality, choice and value for money.