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Notification of Ofcom's consideration of a network access question:
Re-examination of the NTS framework

05 July 2004

WHEREAS:

1. Ofcom are aware of the growing levels of dissatisfaction about the current terms, conditions and charging arrangements for access and interconnection for the purpose of providing services currently known as Number Translation Services;
2. it therefore appears to the Ofcom that a network access question has arisen and needs to be determined;
3. Ofcom consider that, for the purpose of determining that question, it would be appropriate for them to exercise their powers under Chapter 1 of the Communications Act 2003 ("the Act") to set, modify or revoke conditions falling within sub-section (2) of section 105 of the Act;
4. before considering whether, for the purpose of determining the question that has arisen, to set, modify or revoke such conditions, Ofcom, by virtue of section 105(3) of the Act, must publish a notification of their proposal to consider that matter;
5. if, after considering the matter, Ofcom decide not to exercise their powers to set, modify or revoke such conditions, they must publish a notification of their decision;

THEREFORE:

1. Ofcom, in accordance with section 105(3) of the Act, hereby gives notice of its proposal to consider a network access question, in particular to consider the terms and conditions (including charges) upon which communications providers obtain access and interconnection from each other for the purpose of the provision of services currently known as Number Translation Services. As part of its review of this network access question Ofcom will consider, amongst other things, the origination, transit and termination of Number Translation Services;
2. Ofcom have published this notification in the manner that Ofcom consider appropriate for bringing it to the attention of the persons who, in Ofcom's opinion, would be likely to be affected by action taken for determining the network access question that appears to them to have arisen;
3. For the purpose of interpreting this notification the following terms shall have the following meanings:

   "Number Translation Services"

   means those services which relate to a number identified in the numbering plan for the United Kingdom as a Special Service number or a Premium Rate Service number;

   • plus calls to 0500 Freephone numbers;
   • excluding calls to 0844 04 numbers for Surftime Internet access services and calls to 0808 99 numbers for flat rate internet access call origination.

4. Except as otherwise stated in this notification, words or expressions shall have the same meaning as in the Act.

Caroline Wallace

A person authorised by Ofcom under paragraph 18 of the Schedule to the Office of Communications Act 2002

05 July 2004

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