04/04/2003

Oftel calls for substantial cut in BT net charges

Prices for unmetered Internet access for consumers could fall under

proposals from Oftel which would see BT cut prices.

Oftel believes that BT should cut its wholesale charges by 17% because it is charging operators for certain call routing and call management measures that Oftel believes are "no longer technically necessary".

If implemented, BT would have to backdate the refund to December

2001 - the date from when the additional call routing and call

management measures were no longer needed.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said: "When Oftel required BT to introduce a wholesale unmetered Internet access product, BT introduced a number of additional measures to support the new service and which were included in the charge to other operators.

"Because BT made improvements to its network by December 2001, I

intend to require BT to backdate the refund to other operators to

this date.

"Oftel's action will ensure that operators and consumers pay a fair

price for unmetered Internet access from BT, and reflects the

relevant costs that BT incurs to provide this service."

The investigation was opened following a complaint from Cable &

Wireless, which was later supported by Energis.

(GMcG)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

21 July 2003
BT told to reduce charges for Internet access
The communications watchdog Oftel has today ordered BT to reduce its charges for wholesale unmetered Internet access. Following an investigation and proposals set out earlier this year, Oftel has concluded that BT has been charging operators for certain call routing and call management measures "that are no longer necessary".
25 March 2004
BT introduces 'simplified' pricing structure
BT is to abolish its standard rate for residential customers and introduce a "simpler range of low prices" as part of its "continuing strategy to make it easier for people to understand phone price comparisons and the value of what they get".
03 April 2009
Ofcom Fines BBC £150k Over Prank Calls
The BBC has been fined £150,000 by Ofcom over prank phone calls made by Russell Brand (pictured) and Jonathan Ross to actor Andrew Sachs. The sum related to the two episodes of the Russell Brand show broadcast on BBC Radio 2 on the 18 and 25 October 2008. In its report, the media regulator found the broadcasts had breached it's Broadcasting Code.
14 March 2005
Scarborough drowning tragedy victims named
A mother and her son who drowned in a tragic accident yesterday have been named as Kim Barrett, 33 and Luke Greenwood, 11. Coastguards are continuing to search for Ms Barrett's daughter, 13-year-old Aimee Greenwood.
27 June 2003
Mobile charges to be cut following court ruling
Mobile phone calls under some tariff structures will be reduced by up to half following a High Court ruling against Vodafone, Orange and T-Mobile. On Friday, the three UK phone giants finally lost their fight in a long-running court battle with regulators over the practice of levying of “termination charges”.