Philip Rutnam, Director of Regulatory Policy, welcomed a diverse mix of representatives from the telecommunications, manufacturing and broadcasting industries to the most recent meeting of the Oftel Forum held on 14 February.

The main items on the agenda concentrated on areas of Oftels’ work that are concerned with implementing the requirements of the EU Directives on communications and the progress of the Communications Bill. The members were also brought up to date with the steady progress towards Ofcom.

The Forum welcomed a guest speaker from the Office of the Telecommunications Ombudsman (Otelo) who provided a useful overview of how the Ombudsman and Otelo are progressing since opening their doors at the beginning of this year.

The Forum, which began in November 2001, is one of the tools used by Oftel to communicate with our stakeholders both in industry and with consumer groups. The Forum also offers attendees the chance to raise topics for discussion and present items themselves to their fellow members.

The next Oftel Forum is due to be held on 7 April at Ludgate Hill and will be for consumer representatives and groups only. If you are interested in joining us on 7 April then please read the terms of reference for the Forum and e-mail the secretary, Julia Bradford at julia.bradford@oftel.gov.uk.

The terms of reference for the Forum and the minutes of previous meetings can be found on the Oftel website at www.oftel.gov.uk/ind_groups/oftel_forum/index.htm.