§ Mr. Woodasked the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry when the consultative document on the future licensing of value added and managed data services will be published; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. ButcherThe consultative document has been published today. Copies may be obtained from the Library.
The current 1982 VANS general licence needs to be revised in order to take account of the Telecommunications Act 1984; to give effect to the commitment given in October 1984 on the future licensing of managed data network services; and to correct the anomlies that have come to light since the grant of the general licence in October 1982. At the same time it is proposed that the opportunity should be taken to carry out a significant liberalisation of the licensing requirements governing the provision of enhanced telecommunication services.
The consultative document sets out the Government's thoughts on these issues. We wish to take account of the views of all those with an interest in the provision of enhanced services concerning their future licensing and are asking for comments to be submitted by the end of July