Ofcom Consultations - Ofcom Announces Key Consultations on Critical Communications Issues

Ofcom’s consultation on its proposed acceptance of BT’s undertakings: A revolution in British telecoms regulation.

A major announcement this June by the UK electronic communications regulator, Ofcom, heralds a revolution in the rules for granting access to key telecoms networks, such as copper local loops, broadband connections and "backhaul" products.

BT – Britain’s incumbent telecoms operator – has been cajoled into a major restructuring designed to ensure that, in reality as well as in theory, BT networks are open to downstream retail competitors on terms no less favourable than those enjoyed by BT’s own retail services division.

A radical proposal

The new proposal is due to be ratified in August, and is likely to take effect by the end of the year. It is consistent with the EU’s regulatory framework, but goes beyond it – by effectively requiring a split between the incumbent operator’s (BT’s) network and retail divisions. If successful, it could serve as a prototype for