21 December 2000 Oftel today announced the start of a review of the level of competition in the market for the provision of Number Translation Services for voice calls. BT believes the market for the provision of NTS services is largely competitive, and has asked Oftel to remove its current licence obligation that requires it to provide NTS services to other operators. These can range from freephone charitable helplines to premium rate information services.
Callers pay a variable charge depending on the type of service being called.
Oftel's review will only cover voice NTS services, which are freephone, lo-call, national rate and premium rate services. The review does not cover data services such as dial-up Internet access, which is being reviewed separately. Oftel will seek detailed information from stakeholders, including other NTS providers and customers, as part of the review. A consultation document will be published in the New Year. Notes to editors 1.