ICSTIS draft Activity Plan and Budget 2007/8

ICSTIS draft Activity Plan and Budget 2007/8

Issued December 4, 2006

Summary

BT notes the extensive research ICSTIS has undertaken in relation to its publication on “Trends in the Communications Sector Relevant to the Scope and Nature of ICSTIS Regulation” no doubt that has formed the basis material for ICSTIS plans in this budget consultation.  BT thanks ICSTIS for the efforts it has made on cost savings shown in the budget and acknowledges the levy to be at an all time low. We are in general agreement with the position taken in this draft plan with the following comment on the Executive Summary.

Within section 1.2 ICSTIS cite a public spend of £1.6bn on PRS services, we consider that assessment to be on the high side perhaps by as much as 20% and would be interested in ICSTIS sharing the source information with industry as to how that figure was derived.

With respect to the three focus areas mentioned in section 1.6 BT supports them in principle but the details of how they are progressed will require further thought, as suggested later in the consultation working with industry is the only workable option to turn these opportunities into benefits. It is also important for clear understanding on the part of consumers and Industry to know where ICSTIS remit starts and ends in relation to its use of its regulatory powers.

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BT would welcome any comments on the contents of this document. Comments should be addressed to Michael Traynor by e-mail to michael.traynor@bt.com .