Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/1999/09/09/oftel_blames_net_for_phone/

Oftel blames Net for phone changes

We're talking telephone numbers,here

By Tim Richardson

Posted in On-Prem, 9th September 1999 15:13 GMT

Three out of ten people would consider using video on demand, Net access via their TV and broadband Net services when they become available, according to the telecoms watchdog Oftel. It also claims one in ten residential consumers said they intended to get a mobile phone or get hooked up to the Net within the next six months. What's more, Net use in the residential market has more than doubled from seven per cent in 1997 to 18 per cent today -- a clear signal of the explosive growth in telecoms services in Britain. "There has already been a huge growth in telecom services and the survey shows there is no sign of it running out of steam," said David Edmonds, Director General of Oftel. "Consumers are also interested in new services that are just around the corner such as fast Internet access and video on demand. "[That's why] the changes that Oftel is introducing to the numbering system will create nine billion telephone numbers, enough to meet demand for the foreseeable future," he said. Oftel launches a £20 million TV ad campaign tomorrow to alert everyone that it's changing phone numbers in Britain -- again. Any notion that the timing of OFTEL's research is a cynical PR stunt that justifies this quango messing around with Britain's phone numbers (again, cos it fouled up last time) is without foundation. ® Tune into Cash Register and turn on to our daily Net Finance News