Government to comply with new EU telecoms rules

Stuart Sumner, Computing, Friday 17 September 2010 at 15:14:00

Changes to be implemented by 25 May 2011

The government has announced that it will amend UK law to comply with new EU
regulations governing the telecoms sector.

In a consultation paper from the Department for Business, Innovation and
Skills entitled
'Implementing
the revised EU electronic communications framework', Ed Vaizey,
Minister for Culture, Communications and Creative Industries, said: "We must
ensure that the regulatory framework is fit for the future and reflects new
technologies and changing consumer expectations."

Vaizey explained that the regulatory changes should result in better
investment opportunities and encourage greater competition and innovation
throughout the industry.

"Consumers should benefit from improved choice of supplier and contract
terms, strengthened rights on privacy and confidentiality, faster switching
processes and improved accessibility. Ultimately, everyone should benefit from
access to higher quality and lower cost communications services," he concluded.

The document states that the government will amend regulator
Ofcom's
powers to correct failings in process and procedure that have come to light
since the original EU framework, which was set out in 2002. Ofcom will benefit
from enhanced information gathering powers and dispute resolution procedures.

Full story at http://www.computing.co.uk/computing/news/2269983/government-comply-eu-telecoms