§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
What consultations, if any, they have had with British Telecom in respect of the forthcoming rollout of ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subcriber Line), particularly in terms of the service's availability and affordability to home-users and single-user businesses. [HL3046]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleDTI officials have discussed BT's plans for its ADSL rollout with it on a number of occasions, but the details of the rollout are a commercial matter for BT. The independent telecommunications regulator, OFTEL, has been working to ensure effective competition in the provision of ADSL and other broadband services. Once BT has installed ADSL on local lines, it will be required to give service providers access to its upgraded system on non-discriminatory terms. OFTEL is also requiring BT to open up its local loop to other operators so that they can compete in the provision of broadband access. The Government believe that competition, both from other ADSL providers and other high speed services such as broadband cable, is the best way to ensure that access to broadband services is affordable for both consumers and small businesses.
§ The Earl of Northeskasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider that British Telecom's proposal to enforce a patent on the concept of "hyperlinks" is consistent with the Government's strategy for access to the Internet; and, if not, what action they are proposing to take to remedy the situation. [HL3047]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleCompanies are entitled to seek to establish and enforce patent rights in the interests of their shareholders. British Telecom is a132WA private company and its actions in this area are a matter for itself.