Oftel to get tough over 'confusing' business tariffs

NEWS silicon.com has learned that Oftel will discuss instigating a full review of the situation at an internal meeting to be held on 2 November. It's understood that the regulator is keen to avoid a heavy-handed approach to regulation, which could take a long time to put into place. But a source close to the situation told silicon.com there will be "changes" within the month. The regulator itself said that it's to make an announcement on the matter "in the very near future", in response to widespread industry criticism of the secrecy surrounding tariffs. A spokesman said: "Oftel realises the need for clarity and transparency here. We are looking at measures ranging from lobbying telcos to a full consultation resulting in licence condition changes." The news comes after silicon.com revealed on Thursday that telcos are denying the public access to their tariffs. This prevents third parties from stepping in to offer comprehensive comparison services for complex telco tariffs. Many users have complained of a culture of price confusion, which allows telcos to get away with high prices and gives businesses no way to find out which company gives them the best deal. David Harrington, director general of the Communications Management Association - previously known as the TMA - said there was "no doubt telcos had adopted a policy of price confusion to make comparison impossible and hide prices. "The CMA would like to see Oftel take action here. For many years there has been a need for a fundamental transparency on basic telco rates - these prices should be in the public domain," he said. Vivien Peters, vice chairwoman at the International Telecoms User Group, agreed action in this area was long overdue. She said all operators should be forced to publish tariffs and discount policies as it is "the only way both consumers and businesses can really compare prices".