OFTEL REPORT: CONSUMER'S CHAMPION SOME WAY OFF

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Thu 10th Jul 2003

The National Audit Office has issued a "could do better" assessment of the performance of the telecommunications regulator in the area of fixed telephone lines.

Commenting on the report published today, Vincent Cable MP, Liberal Democrat Shadow DTI Secretary, said: "Is clear that some positive steps have been taken by OFTEL, but there is still some way to go before it can call itself the 'consumer's champion'.

"Speedy investigation is an essential part of limiting damage and deterring abuse. The time it currently takes to deal with complaints is disappointing. The Government must ensure that OFTEL and its successor OFCOM have sufficient expert resources to quickly and competently tackle anti-competitive behaviour.

"Consumer choice on fixed telephone lines has grown rapidly, but the regulator has struggled to keep pace. OFCOM must do better than OFTEL. New regulatory challenges, such as competition in the blossoming Broadband market, are already clamouring for attention."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

Report by the Comptroller and Auditor General on "The Office of

Telecommunications: Helping consumers benefit from competition in the telecommunications market" is published on 11 July 2003 (HC 768 Session 2002-2003)