December 5, 2016

Ofcom says that the review of the retail market for standalone landline telephone services is being undertaken to ensure that customers receive value for money.

Ofcom is concerned that people who buy landline services on their own, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable, are not being served well by the market and are particularly affected by increasing line rental prices.

Ofcom’s review will establish whether measures are needed to protect this group of customers. The regulator is now analysing the market in detail and, depending on its findings, expects to publish a consultation in early 2017.

The announcement of the review is being made within a consultation covering Ofcom’s separate review of the wholesale markets that underpin fixed voice services in the UK (see item above).

The consultation relates to wholesale prices that BT can charge other telecoms providers to offer homes and businesses a telephone service over its copper network. Ofcom is seeking views on its proposed wholesale regulations by 28 February 2017. To read Ofcom’s news release, click here.