In order to meet the changing needs of a rapidly developing telecommunications market, Oftel is reviewing its processes for collecting and publishing regular information from the telecoms industry.

In January Oftel published the consultation document Developing a Strategic Approach to Market Information which proposes changes to the way market information is collected and published, and invites comment from the industry.

Oftel requires regular, up-to-date data from the telecoms industry to ensure quality and timeliness in its decision making. The data provide key measures of competition such as market shares. The data are currently collected and published quarterly through the Market Information Updates on Oftel's website.

The need for a review has arisen through growth in competition and the increasingly complex nature of regulatory decision making. While any costs accrued by Oftel and the industry in collecting and processing the data are likely to be significantly outweighed by the benefits of improved regulatory decision making, it is important to ensure that data requirements are consistent with Oftel's strategy of proportionate regulation and that there is no unnecessary burden placed on industry.

The forthcoming programme of market reviews which will inform implementation of the new EU directives is also a key driver. Oftel wants to ensure that it has all the necessary information to enable it to meet the demanding timetable set for these reviews.

Among the possible options for change discussed are:

• expansion to include greater participation of service providers;
• clearer rules on when Oftel collects information on 'new' markets or services; and
• improvements to the timeliness of data supply.

Another option is the setting up of an advisory group to consider changes required as a result of market developments on an ongoing basis.

While Oftel sees the consultation as being primarily with the telecoms industry Oftel is also interested in receiving views from the users of the data, particularly in relation to the transparency of Oftel's decision making process.

The consultation period ends on 5 April.

For further information contact Kenny Osborne (tel: 020 7634 8973 / e-mail: kenny.osborne@oftel.gov.uk).