Dial-up charges may fall

Changes in the rules governing competition in the telecoms market may force down the cost of Internet access for teleworkers, corporate branch offices and roaming employees.

The government has also vowed to appoint a broadband supremo following a string of suggestions from the Broadband Stakeholder Group (BSG) about the slow rollout of high-speed data links in the UK.

Oftel is to alter its regulations for unmetered dial-up services in line with EC directives, and insist that BT leases wholesale ISDN links to rivals. Further proposals covering competition in the broadband and mobile markets will be announced next month. However, the easing of some regulations could result in higher international phone charges. "Where competition is increasing, unnecessary regulation will be withdrawn," said Oftel chief Dave Edmonds.

Camille Mendler of analyst Yankee Group said the changes might offer little benefit for firms. "Wholesale ISDN doesn't strike me as a major goer, and broadband is not just a regulatory issue. It depends on coverage and good packages being available. Current services are pretty lacklustre," she said.

Separately, the government is to appoint a senior figure to encourage the rollout of broadband in the UK. The BSG had said the UK's progress in rolling out wireless systems was too slow and there were too many commercial and regulatory barriers. It also called for extra EU and government funding to encourage broadband in rural areas.

The initiatives come as the Office of the E-envoy, which is encouraging the growth of online government services, faces budget cuts, raising questions about the future of the current e-envoy, Andrew Pinder.

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