Closer links for regulators

The five communications watchdogs have agreed to work together more closely in line with the government's plans for regulating the industry.

The move - sparked by the government's Communications White Paper last December - will involve sharing information and developing policy jointly when there are common interests.

There are several areas which interest the regulators, including the possible digital switch-over, development of internet and e-commerce, complaint handling, Human Rights Act issues and competition in relevant markets.

Culture Secretary Chris Smith said he was pleased with the announcement, adding: "Getting the regulatory bodies to identify some of the ways ahead, and work together to achieve it, will be a valuable contribution to a more flexible, but effective, regime."

Chris Smith: Welcomed the move

It was set out in a memorandum of understanding between the Broadcasting Standards Commission (BSC), Independent Television Commission (ITC), Office of Telecommunications (Oftel), Radio Authority and Radiocommunications Agency (RA).

As well as helping the different bodies work together, the move will mean they can develop common positions for international meetings dealing with wavelength and frequency spectrums, European directives and content issues.

A steering group of the bodies' chief executives will meet regularly to oversee this work.

'Pace of change'

Stephen Byers, Secretary of State for Trade and Industry, said the decision would "help provide greater consistency and certainty for business".

"The pace of change which is bringing about convergence in the broadcasting and telecommunications industries makes the introduction of the new, flexible regulatory framework so necessary."

Broadcasters had welcomed the government's plans, set out last year, for a single watchdog called Ofcom to take over the work of organisations such as Oftel and the BSC.

The five regulatory bodies backed the plans, saying some of them were already in conversation on how to work together more closely.

Regulators' roles

They are each responsible for the following aspects of the communications industry:

• Broadcasting Standards Commission: Statutory body for both standards and fairness in broadcasting, covering all TV and radio - terrestrial, satellite, digital and cable.

• Independent Television Commission: Licenses and regulates all TV services broadcasting in or from the UK, other than BBC licence-fee funded services and S4C in Wales.

• Oftel: Independent regulator for the UK telecommunications industry, promoting interests of consumers and ensuring telecoms services are provided in the UK to meet all reasonable demands.

• Radio Authority: Responsible for licensing and regulating independent radio in accordance with the statutory requirements of the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996. Plans frequencies, awards licences, regulates programming and advertisings.

• Radiocommunications Agency: Formulates policy on the planning and management of the UK radio spectrum and authorises use of radio by licensing or exemption.