Oftel's proposals for price control of BT's Network business will continue to drive improved efficiency at the network level. This will be very important for other operators whose interconnection charges are a major component of their costs. But allowing BT this greater freedom depends on Oftel having effective powers to ensure fair trading. The proposals here assume that there will be an anti-competitive practices provision in BT's licence on the lines currently being discussed. These issues are crucial both to providing protection for customers and to promoting choice.
Telecoms is a significant part of the UK economy.
Prices for telecoms services affect everyone. We want to hear your views.