www.comms-dealer.com


Army needs full support


The Channel Army pressure group is urging Comms Dealer readers to fully understand the implications of changes to EU regulations set to become law in May this year.


association with James Palmer, CEO of Nine Telecom, has already recruited some channel heavyweights and is hopeful more will sign up and help the FCS table its final response to the UK Government’s consultation document which sets out the changes. Jacqui Brookes, FCS CEO, commented: “We are encouraging the UK Government and Ofcom to take into account the needs of the expanding competitive communications services sector when implementing the new regulations. The Department for Business Information and Skills (BIS) has held a series of stakeholder events during the autumn, but we are still waiting for Ofcom to consult on changes to the General Conditions, the detailed rules for communications providers and resellers.”


T


FCS believes the key issues of vital importance to the comms industry are as follows: • Ease of customer migration is essential for maintaining competition and should be recipient led with one process irrespective of technology. Fixed number portability processes need to be addressed urgently as one


he group, formed by the Federation of Communications Services in


Jacqui Brookes


day porting is due to come into effect in May 2011. • A wide range of customer contracts assists the competitive market. • Contract length restrictions to 24 months in the Universal Services Obligation must clearly refer to services to


consumers that are natural persons and not the Communications Act 2003 definition of a consumer that also includes small businesses with up to 10 employees, otherwise the package deals of the reseller channel to small business customers will be severely hampered. • BIS and Ofcom should clarify which type of comms provider the new minimum security standards should apply to. FCS argues there should be no undue burdens on operators, service providers and resellers arising from the new standards. • The use of Ofcom’s new powers on leasing and hoarding of radio spectrum should be handled carefully and not used to disrupt existing business methods such as


spectrum management organisations, radio hire and public access radio services. • The appeals process for disagreement with Ofcom’s decisions requires review. This must identify what an optimal appeals regime should look like in the UK, which ensures proportionality, reasonable costs and processes for all participants. This includes the smaller communications providers as well as the major telcos.


Tom O’Hagan, Managing Director of Virtual One, commented: “After speaking with James Palmer it became clear to me how important it is for us all to join the FCS. If we are unable to offer three year contracts then we cannot hit the price points customers expect for services. Over shorter terms the commercials don’t work. Such restrictions could actually devalue businesses and affect entrepreneurial spirit in this market. That would be a disaster and we must do all we can to make sure that doesn’t happen. Joining the Channel Army will help get us heard.”


With you all the way


CAMPAIGN UPDATE


You probably know that Union Street’s award winning aBILLity application suite is the established market leader, setting the benchmark for billing andWLR3 provision.


n


To view the BIS Consultation Revised Electronic Communications Framework document visit www.bis.gov.uk To join the FCS and view the FCS response visit: www.fcs.org.uk


To advertise in contact The Sales Team on 01895 454411


www.comms-dealer.com


But did you know that Union Street’s unrivalled expertise meanswe can provide you with a complete back office solution for commsprovision? This includes integrationwith leadingCRMsolutions and accounts packages.


Because at Union Streetwe’re not just planning to meet your needs today –we’re with you all the way.


For more information: T: +44 (0)20 8614 9090 or W:www.unionstreet.uk.com


COMMS DEALER JANUARY 2011 23


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52