§ Mr. AingerTo ask the President of the Board of Trade (1) what plans he has to introduce regulations requiring British Telecom to meet minimum technical quality standards for voice, fax and data transmission in remote or rural areas;
(2) what plans he has to introduce regulations requiring British Telecom to meet minimum technical quality standards for voice, fax and data transmission.
§ Mr. Ian TaylorI do not believe that it would be justified at present to introduce regulations on minimum technical quality, either generally or specifically in relation to remote or rural areas. BT's investment programme in digital exchanges is already raising transmission standards, and increasing competition in the telecommunications market means consumers are offered a wider range of service levels and tariff packages.