United Kingdom

[GB] Telecom regulator issues new consultative document on promoting communication in services over telecommunications networks

IRIS 1996-4:1/17

Tony Prosser

University of Bristol Law School

The UK telecommunications regulator has issued a new consultative document on how to promote competition in services supplied over telecommunication networks; these services include electronic mail, on-line information services, video-conferencing, entertainment services and Internet access. This is part of a continuing process of consultation about how to regulate the changing telecommunications world, and set out details of proposed new regulatory controls. These include giving British Telecom the freedom to choose to set lower prices for independent service providers than for other users, and for stronger restrictions on anti-competetive practices to be included in British Telecom's licence. It also proposes greater transparency requirements through separating different elements of British Telecom's business.