According to the DTI, universal access to high quality services and deregulation to promote competitiveness and investment in the telecoms and media sector are the key principles behind the Bill. Its main provisions include:
creating a single regulator, the Office of Communications (OFCOM), to replace the existing five regulators (Oftel, Independent Television Commission, Radio Authority, Broadcasting Standards Commission and Radiocommunications Agency). OFCOM will be given powers concurrent with the Office of Fair Trading to apply competition rules in the area of communications;
establishing a Consumer Panel to advise OFCOM and other bodies on matters related to electronic communications;
removing about 400 licenses for telecommunications systems and creating a new regulatory regime for electronic communications networks in line with EU law;
deregulating media ownership to promote competition but retaining some rules to protect plurality (such as the requirement that at least two commercial radio operators exist, in addition to the BBC, in every area with three or more stations); and
ensuring that public service channels are carried on all platforms.
Trade and Industry Secretary Patricia Hewitt said that the Bill will give UK businesses a better environment to develop by removing unnecessary regulatory burdens.
The Communications Bill is available at:
www.parliament.the-stationery-office.co.uk/pa/pabills.htm
