Handcuffs remain on BT

BT is still too dominant in the residential market place and has to be regulated, according to telecoms regulator Oftel.

The inflation-busting price controls will mean that consumers can expect to pay less for their telco services, including dial-up Internet access, from BT for the next four at least.

In a statement, the winged watchdog explained it would extend the existing price controls on BT's residential prices because "BT continues to have market power in the provision of telephony services to residential customers, although the extent of competition is increasing".

BT maintains that it should be cut free from the regulatory handcuffs and allowed to charge what it likes. The winged watchdog disagrees.

David "Harry Potter" Edmonds, Head Boy of Oftel, said in a statement: "BT remains dominant in the provision of a number of interconnection services and controls on the charges for these services continues to be necessary.

"Oftel's price control proposals represent a firm and fair settlement for BT, its customers and competitors," he said. ®