24 June 2005
Independent comparison and switching website, uSwitch.com, has welcomed Ofcom's decision to create a division to oversee BT's freeing up of its networks to other operators.
The telecoms watchdog's decision to create a more level playing field in the fixed line market should lead to cheaper phone bills for consumers, as the market will be forced to become more competitive.
Jon Miller, director at uSwitch.com, called the decision to create Access Services "a real result for consumers".
"The new division will be tasked with maintaining a level playing field across the home telephone and broadband markets, which should create the conditions and certainty required to encourage investment and competition, ultimately leading to lower prices for consumers."
He added: "Ofcom have also secured reductions in the costs of wholesale line rental and local loop unbundling, which we would expect to see being passed down to consumers."
BT has agreed to reduce the cost of wholesale line rental by 50p, which is expected to decrease further later in the year.
In addition to this, the incumbent network will reduce the cost of full local loop unbundling from £105 to £80.
Use uSwitch's free and impartial comparison service to find the best home phone supplier for you. uSwitch is the only UK home telephone comparison service accredited by Ofcom.
© 2008 Adfero Ltd
Content for the uSwitch.com market news service is provided by a third party, Adfero Ltd. Whilst uSwitch.com makes reasonable efforts to check the reliability of this content, uSwitch.com does not guarantee the accuracy thereof or endorse the views or opinions given by Adfero Ltd, unless expressly stated otherwise.