Proposal on table to protect unmetred net access
British telecommunications regulator Oftel today proposed a series of measures to ensure companies continue to deliver unmetered internet access to consumers.
The regulator is suggesting a series of changes to the way British Telecom supplies and charges rival groups who use its network to offer unmetered access.
These measures include making British Telecom end the practice of forcing rivals to pay for unmetered internet access traffic in advance.
Operators are allowed to pay for metered capacity in arrears, and Oftel is proposing to introduce this payment option for unmetered access as well.
The consultation document also said BT must continue to invest in the network for voice calls and metered internet access, where expansion was needed regardless of the introduction of unmetered access.
David Edmonds, Oftel director general of telecommunications, said: ‘‘Calls to the Internet now make up over 40% of all traffic carried across the UK’s telecom networks.
‘‘Over four million UK homes now use unmetered Internet access and Oftel must ensure that demand can continue to be met.
‘‘The proposals announced today further support the development of unmetered Internet access in the UK by clarifying the obligations on BT.’’
