Telecoms regulator Ofcom has launched a series of
consultations following last week’s announcement that BT has agreed
to restructure its business to create a fairer telecoms
market.
BT’s proposals should make it easier for rivals to compete using
the national telecoms infrastructure that BT controls. The
proposals cover broadband provision, next generation networks and
other areas.
Ofcom has ditched plans to break up BT to achieve a fairer
market and will instead prosecute BT under the Enterprise Act if it
doesn't deliver on its promises.
The main proposals have now been put out for consultation, which
will end on 12 August. There is also a separate consultation on
BT’s 21st Century Network plans and how they will affect the
market. The closing date for this consultation is also 12
August.
Phil Sayer, chairman of the Communications Management
Association, said, “Business customers now look forward to a wider
choice of goods and services than ever before, with all retailers
able to make innovative offerings on an equal basis.
“As Ofcom itself says, ‘BT should offer all providers the same
prices and processes on equal terms and should not inhibit
reasonable developments by alternative network operators.’”