039/05
21 April 2005
Minister to look at UK regulatory experience in Broadcasting and Telecommunications
Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, will visit London next week for a series of meetings relating to regulation of the UK broadcasting and telecommunications sectors.
“The international experience in regulation is very relevant to some of the policy decisions the Government will be making this year, particularly decisions relating to the broadcasting and telecommunications sectors,” Senator Coonan said.
The Minister will meet with representatives from the UK broadcasting and telecommunications regulator Ofcom, British Telecom (BT), the British Broadcasting Corporation, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport.
“There are synergies between the UK and Australian experiences including the formation of Ofcom which will provide a useful insight into the impending merger of the Australian Communications Authority and the Australian Broadcasting Authority to form the Australian Communications and Media Authority,” Senator Coonan said.
“With the introduction of digital television and the interest in digital radio, it is pertinent to look at the UK experience and talk to regulators, industry and other representatives with experience in these areas.
“In the UK there have been some constructive developments in terms of increasing transparency and improving access regulation to the dominant telecommunications provider – BT.
“I have previously announced the Government’s intention to examine whether it is appropriate for Telstra to consider features of the BT model or indeed any other ring-fencing initiatives such as the one that already applies to the Italian incumbent telecommunications provider Telecom Italia.
“I will discuss these, and other issues, with the UK regulator and Government representatives as well as representatives from BT.”
The Minister will also attend the official Anzac Day commemoration services while in London.