The main focus of Oftel's international section is to develop and maintain relationships with the European Commission and fellow EU National Regulatory Authorities (NRAs). This helps to safeguard the UK's interests in the way existing EU legislation is applied and how future legislation evolves.

However, there is also an important role in establishing good relationships with other NRAs and administrations outside the EU, and understanding the communications markets in which they operate and their approach to regulating them.

One of the dimensions of this work is to assist other NRAs in tackling the wide range of regulatory challenges which develop as markets are liberalised and competition increases. This gives Oftel staff the chance to learn from other NRAs, especially how they approach the new challenges which convergence brings.

Oftel's assistance often consists of liasing with incoming experts and senior management from other NRAs or administrations. Many countries are reviewing their communications regulation as they adapt their approach to take into account convergence of communications technologies and services.

This is an important part of Oftel's work but inevitably it is unable to meet all requests for help and advice. However, 2002 was nevertheless a very busy year. In total, 67 sets of visitors met various Oftel experts and senior staff to discuss a wide range of issues.

During 2002, the subjects which Oftel were asked to discuss most often were broadband, Ofcom, convergence and interconnection.

Japan showed the greatest interest in Oftel's work and other frequent visitors included Australia, India and the United States. In addition, Oftel received seven visits from Eastern European countries, 21 from Asian countries, five from Northern America and two from Africa. Eleven heads of other NRAs visited Oftel during 2002.

Whilst Oftel hosts foreign visitors regularly, Oftel staff occasionally travel abroad to meet other regulators. The most notable example was Oftel's twinning project with Poland (see Oftel News issue 58). On a smaller scale, during November and December 2002, Oftel staff attended workshops in China and Romania which helped to strengthen relationships.

2003 has started where 2002 left off and it looks as if this year will be as busy as previous years. Oftel will continue to provide help to and learn from other NRAs and organisations in the run up to Ofcom.

For further information, contact Karine Oliver (tel: 020 7634 8763 / e-mail: karine.oliver@oftel.gov.uk).