Oftel reduces regulation on competitive international markets

United Kingdom

The Director General of Telecommunications, David Edmonds, announced on 9th March to reduce regulation in certain international markets, in line with Oftel's strategy of reducing regulation as markets become competitive. Competition has grown in international markets since full liberalisation of the international market in December 1996. BT's market share has now fallen to below 37% for international calls made by business users and in the residential market their share has dropped by 12% over the last five years.

The decision follows an Oftel consultation document ‘Competition in International Markets’ published in November 1999.

Copies of Oftel's statement on competition in international markets is available on the Oftel website at www.oftel.gov.uk.

(Oftel Press Release 13/00)