Oftel publishes work programme for 2002/3

The plan was published against a background of increased demand for more sophisticated services such as broadband - though basic telephony remains of fundamental importance.

There have been major changes over the last year as a result of competition and because of the financial environment, and further change will come from the new European framework, and related new UK legislation, over the next year.

The plan includes:

• lessons drawn from the experience of the past two years;
• initiatives to promote competitive broadband markets and steps to prepare for OFCOM;
• work needed to start implementation of the new European Directives in 2002; and
• the appropriate focus of regulatory resources.

The plan has been consulted on widely. In finalising the plan, Oftel benefited from the views expressed by stakeholders including domestic and business consumers, the telecoms industry and others with an interest in telecoms.

Oftel looks forward to working with a wide range of organisations and individuals as we tackle the important issues over the year ahead.