Ofcom backs ISPA’s 'regulate not separate' proposal

Friday 24th June, 2005

The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA UK) – the UK’s leading Internet trade association – welcomes Ofcom’s statement announcing a new regulatory approach to achieve equality of access to BT’s networks without the enforced break-up of BT. However, ISPA eagerly awaits the full detail of the new arrangements as concerns remain about the practical arrangements to accompany the behavioural changes required of BT.

The regulator’s announcement echoes ISPA’s calls for a regulatory approach to ensure complete equivalence of access to BT’s networks, to promote competition and innovation, and to focus or withdraw regulation where appropriate. ISPA will have to wait until the formal rules are published on the 30th June to discover how effectively Ofcom has responded to the Internet industry’s concerns.

ISPA believes that BT’s internal and external ISP customers must be serviced in exactly the same way, calling for equality of access to information, service features, provisioning and pricing. In the announcement, BT will establish an Access Services division with “equivalence of input” for all of BT’s wholesale customers.

ISPA is pleased that the need for BT to demonstrate a serious commitment to equivalence and transparency will be monitored by a new Equality of Access Board.

Jessica Hendrie-Liaño, Chair of ISPA Council said, “It is important to find an amicable alternative to the break-up of BT, and to avoid the disruption this would cause to the industry. Attaining equivalence is vital for the effective development of the Internet industry.”

Mrs Hendrie-Liaño said, “We hope we won’t be disappointed with the new rules. Even if the rules meet our expectations, Ofcom must maintain a keen eye on levels of competition in the Internet industry for a long time to come.”

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Notes to Editors
The views expressed in this release are those of the Internet Services Providers' Association (ISPA UK) and do not necessarily reflect the corporate policies of the individual companies that are members of the Association or other organisations that may be mentioned in the release. 

For further information, please contact the ISPA Press Office.

Email: pressoffice@ispa.org.uk
Tel: 020 7340 4535

About the Internet Services Providers’ Association

The Internet Services Providers’ Association (ISPA) was established in 1995 as a trade association to represent providers of Internet services in the UK. ISPA promotes competition, self-regulation and the development of the Internet industry. For a list of members or other information about ISPA, please consult the website: www.ispa.org.uk