§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether the Rural Affairs Forum and their rural advocate have given any advice with regard to FT's decision to remove telephone boxes from rural areas; and if so, how many telephone boxes are scheduled for removal in the next two years.[HL1763]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleThe regulation of telecoms operators is a matter for Oftel. I understand that no advice has been received by Oftel on the removal of telephone boxes front rural areas from the Rural Affairs Forum or its rural advocate. BT is subject to a universal service obligation to provide public call boxes throughout the UK (except Hull). Removal of a call box from a single site is subject to a consent procedure. The procedure is set out in guidelines published by BT and agreed by Oftel. Any removal of a single site call box requires the consent of the local authority and the relevant parish council (if any).
§ Baroness Miller of Chilthorne Domerasked Her Majesty's Government:
What representations they have received about the removal of telephone boxes from rural areas by BT in the past twelve months; from whom; and what action they have taken as a result. [HL1764]
§ Lord Sainsbury of TurvilleThe regulation of telecoms operators is a matter for Oftel. I understand that in December 2002 Oftel published a statement setting out its conclusions in relation to revised62WA guidelines on removal of telephone boxes. Oftel has received a number of representations in recent weeks about the removal of telephone boxes in rural areas and is discussing them with BT.