In October Oftel hosted a workshop to further explore the opportunities for extending self- and co-regulation in the UK telecommunications industry. Stakeholders from all areas, including consumer groups, fixed and mobile telecom operators, Internet service providers, telecommunications equipment providers and regulators were involved in the discussions.

The workshop follows publication of Oftel's statement The benefits of self- and co-regulation to consumers and industry in July 2001. The statement confirms Oftel's views on the role of self- and co-regulation as part of its strategy of applying a level of regulation appropriate to particular circumstances, including the level of competition. The workshop was an opportunity for Oftel and its stakeholders to consider together some particular ways in which self- and co-regulation might be extended.

The bulk of the time was devoted to codes of practice for service delivery. It included syndicate group discussion of the principles and practicalities involved in setting up a framework for codes of practice in UK telecommunications. The workshop also referred to the Australian experience with codes of practice in a co-regulatory framework.

It was agreed that Oftel would work with stakeholders' help on a scoping survey of the codes of practice currently existing in UK telecommunications. This survey will form a building block for further development work on codes of practice. Stakeholders should send copies or details of existing UK codes of practice as soon as possible to dave.parsons@oftel.gov.uk.

Discussion of other ways to extend self- and co-regulation revealed varied views on the feasibility of the measures available. Following the workshop, Oftel is conducting bilaterial discussions with stakeholders to sharpen the focus of work in this area.

For further information on codes of practice contact Chris Rowsell (tel: 020 7634 8890/e-mail chris.rowsell@oftel.gov.uk).

For further information on self- and co-regulation contact Nic Green (tel:020 7634 8891/e-mail nic.green@oftel.gov.uk).