Response to the European Commission's Consultation on Universal Service Principles in e-Communications

Ofcom today publishes its response, submitted jointly with the Department for Business, Industry and Skills, to the European Commission's Consultation on Universal Service Principles in e-Communications ^(-1-).

In the UK, the scope of universal service in telecommunications is determined by the Secretary of State through the Universal Service Order ^(-2-). Ofcom is charged with implementing the Order, which seeks to ensure broad availability of a range of basic communications services.

In October 2009, Ofcom published its statement on Access and Inclusion ^(-3-), setting out its intention to review the implementation of USO in the UK. In view of the European Commission's review of the scope of universal service, and following further consultation with industry and consumer stakeholders, Ofcom has revised its work plan on USO for 2010/11. Consistent with the outline provided in the Annual Plan, Ofcom's near term priorities will be to:

• engage with the UK government and the European Commission during the review of scope and to ensure that any changes are appropriately implemented;
  
• undertake a separate, detailed review of the provision of relay services to disabled people in the UK; and,
  
• continue to implement the existing Universal Service Order, making such changes as may be required to ensure effective universal provision of basic communications services
  

Footnotes:

  1.-http://ec.europa.eu/information_society/policy/ecomm/library/public_consult/universal_service_2010/index_en.htm

  2.-http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2003/20031904.htm

  3.-http://www.ofcom.org.uk/consult/condocs/access/ai_statement/