§ Brian WhiteTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if she will make a statement on Oftel's928W policy on special offers in the telecommunications market; and what mechanisms are in place to ensure repeated special offers do not distort the telecommunications market. [121527]
§ Mr. TimmsI understand that Oftel looks at any issues of anti-competitive behaviour in the pricing of telecommunications services, such as the use of non-off or repeated special offers, on a case by case basis. Any examination of such issues will be carried out within the framework of relevant legislation such as the Competition Act 1998 or the Telecommunications Act 1984. Oftel will look at issues relating to special offers if specific complaints are made to it or if it believes there is a competition issue which it needs to investigate on its own initiative.
§ Brian WhiteTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry whether there is a statutory duty for Oftel to respond to formal complaints from alternative operators regarding uncompetitive practices from competitors; and what is the maximum time permitted for Oftel to deal with a complaint. [121528]
§ Mr. TimmsSection 49 of the Telecommunication Act 1984 imposes a duty on the Director General of Telecommunications to consider any non-frivolous representations made to him. Under the provisions of the Competition Act 1998, he has discretion as to whether or not to take action on a complaint brought to him.
With effect from 25 July 2003 the new European Directives on electronic communications introduce a mandatory target of four months for resolution of disputes. There are no statutory time limits on other investigations, though Oftel works to internal management targets.