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 BT CONTINUES TO DOMINATE WHOLESALE BROADBAND WHOLESALE COMPETITION STILL ELUSIVE 29 Nov 2004
The Broadband Industry Group, which lobbies for equivalence and competition in the broadband market, concludes that Britain still has a long road to travel to achieve a sustainable and competitive broadband market. While Ofcom's fresh approach to regulation is having an effect, the real spade work lies ahead. Retail prices have started to come down but many offerings are constrained by a reliance on a single BT wholesale service. BT still benefits from slicker processes and a greater control over margin levels than its broadband competitors. Ofcom's Strategic Review of Telecoms recognises that the only way to deliver a truly competitive and responsive broadband market is through a level playing field with "true equality of access". The focus for 2005 must be on ensuring once and for all that UK has a competitive broadband market that can deliver the services that consumers and businesses want and deserve. A spokesman for the Group said: "We don't have the luxury of time. Ofcom's intention to revive LLU and the Strategic Review of Telecoms offer the prospect of increased competition in the long term. But in the short term conditions remain tough and we have to resolve the remaining problems with price and process. "A competitive market has the potential to provide choice and innovation. Ultimately, a market where BT dominates is a market where consumers and businesses lose out." Notes for editors: The Broadband Industry Group comprises Cable & Wireless, Centrica, Energis, Wanadoo, Tiscali and Brightview. The Group was formed in mid-2003 with a specific objective of delivering a step-change improvement in the competitiveness of the UK broadband market delivering a better deal for consumers and businesses. Our objectives, summarised below, are principally concerned with the wholesale broadband market where there is entrenched market power that must be addressed in order to stimulate effective competition within the UK market.
For Further information contact: Nina Shahin - 07795 291 484 |
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