Oftel, the UK telecommunications watchdog, has said that the
development of high-speed internet access is still on-track,
despite the decision of three US telcos to withdraw. However, Oftel
has been criticised this week by a European Commission information
officer and its director general has admitted to mistakes in the
way it handled BT.
The director general of Oftel, David Edmonds admitted that his
organisation should have acted “tougher and sooner” against BT.
Critics warn that the UK could fall behind other European countries
in opening up competition in the telecoms market.
Citing “commercial reasons,” WorldCom denied reports that its
decision to pull out of the high-speed internet access race was due
to failure by Oftel to pressure BT to ensure that the unbundling of
its local loop is carried out fully and without discrimination.
Oftel published its requirements for BT yesterday.
David Edmonds described the requirements as “tough” and
said:
"This is the next stage in ensuring a level
playing field for the unbundling of BT's local loop. These
guidelines put all BT's competitors on the same footing as BT
itself. If there is any dispute between an operator and BT it will
be resolved by Oftel. If necessary, I shall not hesitate to make
Determinations requiring BT to comply…
"Local loop unbundling will bring a step
change to businesses, consumers and the telecoms industry itself. I
am determined to implement it as quickly as possible so that all
companies can compete fairly to deliver these revolutionary new
high speed services."
