Summary
A new regulatory regime
S.1 A new regulatory framework for electronic communications networks and services entered into force in the UK on 25 July 2003. The basis for the new framework is five new EU Communications Directives (ìthe Directivesî) that are designed to create harmonised regulation across Europe.
S.2 The new Directives require National Regulatory Authorities (ìNRAsî), amongst other things, to carry out reviews of competition in communications markets to ensure that regulation remains appropriate in the light of changing market conditions.
S.3 As part of this series of reviews, on 16 December 2003 Oftel/Ofcom published a consultation document entitled Review of the Wholesale Broadband Access Markets (the ''December consultationî). That document followed an earlier consultation document published on 28 April 2003 (the ìApril consultation") and invited comments on Oftel/Ofcomís proposal for defining the relevant wholesale market, assessment of competition and regulatory remedies in that market. The period of consultation closed on 6 February 2004.
S.4 As required by the Directives, the draft decision was also sent to the European Commission and to other NRAs as, in Ofcomís opinion, the proposal may have affected trade between Member States. The final decision included in this document is also being communicated to the European Commission and to the Regulatory authorities in other Member States in accordance with the scheme of the Directives.