The role of Oftel

Oftel was created in 1984 primarily to promote a controlled transition from monopoly to competition in UK telecommunications markets. This article documents the development of policy which gave rise to the need for Oftel and offers a critical appraisal of the regime Oftel has had to administer up to July 1988. It suggests that there are a number of shortcomings in the regulatory system, and in particular with regard to promoting the transition to competition. Four suggestions for change are made, and the difficulties in implementing them discussed.