In future, BT must charge operators in arrears for providing
unmetered internet access, instead of the current arrangements
where operators have to pay in advance.
The changes will apply retrospectively from the start of the
Flat Rate Internet Access Call Origination ("FRIACO") service. BT
will therefore have to refund to operators the additional costs
they have incurred by having to make advance payments. The new
arrangements should also result in savings for operators on future
FRIACO payments.
David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications, said:
"To compete effectively with BT where it has
market power, operators have to be offered fair and reasonable
terms for wholesale products and services, and Oftel will always
take action when necessary to ensure that this happens.
"Oftel ordered BT to provide a wholesale
unmetered internet access service for operators, and we have today
taken further action to ensure that operators pay for it on terms
that are equivalent to those for metered services.”
