§ Mr. DismoreTo ask the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry if he will make a statement on competition in the mobile phone industry. [77065]
§ Mr. WillsPursuant to his duties under the Telecommunications Act 1984, the Director General of Telecommunications issued a consultation document, "Competition in the mobile market", on 4 February.
The document presents the finding that Vodafone and Cellnet continue to have market influence but, as there are signs that effective competition is emerging, it is not appropriate now for regulatory controls to be applied to the price of calls from mobiles.
I understand that the closing date for comments has been extended to 1 April. I shall not prejudge the conclusions reached.
The DTI has consulted industry on proposed measures to ensure a competitive market in the next (third) generation of mobile services. I am now considering the responses received and will make a statement when I have come to a view.