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24th June 2005:
ISPA
Ofcom backs ISPA’s 'regulate
not separate' proposal
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.”
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
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