The government is planning to introduce new measures to reform the regulation of telecommunications and broadcasting in Britain. It claims the new measures are necessary to keep Britain at the "forefront of the digital age". A White Paper due to be unveiled later this year will look at a number of issues including tracking the pace and direction of change, economic regulation, cross-media ownership, competition and content regulation. Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry said: "As we move into the twenty-first century and the digital age, we need to ensure that regulations covering the converging broadcasting, telecommunications and information technology industries are flexible and effective, foster competitive markets and ensure the UK remains a world leader in providing communications services." ® See also: UK telecoms market fair, Oftel claims Oftel wimps out, again