Oftel consults on general conditions of entitlement

Oftel published its first consultation document on the proposed general conditions of entitlement on 22 May.

This consultation is Oftel's first major piece of work as part of the implementation of the new EC Directives, and should be read in conjunction with the draft Communications Bill which sets out the framework within which the proposed general conditions will apply.

The key change required by the new Directives is that the need to obtain a licence prior to operating a telecommunication system will be replaced by a 'general authorisation' to provide electronic communications networks and services.

Licences will be replaced by a combination of general conditions, which apply equally to all communications providers (or all communications providers of a particular type), and specific conditions, which apply to specific communications providers, for example those with significant market power or universal service obligations.

The implementation date for the new regime is 25 July 2003.

This consultation document sets out Oftel's initial draft of the general conditions to be imposed by OFCOM on providers of electronic communications networks and electronic communications services on implementation of the new Directives.

Oftel is proposing 23 general conditions covering a range of subjects, for example:

• access and interconnection;
• universal service (access to directories, DQ services and emergency organisations);
• end-user protection (contracts, transparency and publication of information, dispute resolution); and
• numbering (including number portability).

In line with Oftel's objective of appropriate regulation, it is clear that the general authorisation coupled with one set of general rules for all communications network and service providers represents a major clarification and simplification of the existing regime for the benefit of both the industry and consumers.

The closing date for comments is 13 September 2002.

For further information contact Lucy Byers (tel: 020 7634 8892 / e-mail lucy.byers@oftel.gov.uk).