Sky wants the markets watchdog to investigate BT Openreach June 30, 2015 Sky wants media regulator Ofcom to launch a full investigation into the UK’s broadband market and get the competition watchdog involved. Yesterday, Sky published the evidence it has submitted to Ofcom, which highlights what Sky considers to be the low quality service offered by BT’s Openreach division, which runs the UK’s telecoms network. Sky’s broadband [...]
Broadband prices more important than speed for buyers June 29, 2015 Price, not speed, is the most important factor to customers when considering a broadband package, according to a new survey. Whether a package allowed unlimited usage or not was the next most important factor, before consumers considered speed. All those broadband adverts seem to not be having much effect though, as advertising is deemed the [...]
Sky requests competition inquiry into BT’s broadband dominance June 28, 2015 Sky has submitted a formal request to telecoms regulator Ofcom for a competition inquiry into BT. Read more: BT dismisses Sky claims with Champions League launch and big name signings The broadcasting company accuses its rival of making a series of errors in its Openreach division, which operates the national broadband network. It [...]
Here’s how Royal Mail wants to turn itself around: Targeted junk mail based on your online shopping June 22, 2015 It hasn't been an easy few months for Royal Mail since it went public – but now the company has a secret weapon: targeted junk mail based on your online shopping habits. The company has already begun a "secret pilot" with a large UK retailer, the Daily Mail reported, with mail sent to households if they so much [...]
TalkTalk moves to obstruct BT’s £12.5bn EE deal June 17, 2015 A fresh skirmish broke out between TalkTalk and BT yesterday, after BT published a consultancy report in support of its proposed £12.5bn takeover of EE. BT chief excecutive Gavin Patterson said the combination would create a “true UK digital champion”, while EE boss Olaf Swantee hit out at rivals who are trying to block the [...]
Ofcom kicks off decade of Royal Mail probes June 16, 2015 ROYAL Mail’s investors should prepare for a decade of regulatory reviews, a leading analyst warned yesterday, after Ofcom launched a “fundamental” investigation into the privatised British postal service. “[Telecoms company] BT gets reviewed all the time – this is how the world works for former government-owned monopolies,” said Shore Capital’s Martin Brown. “If you’re a [...]
Royal Mail share price slides as Ofcom launches “fundamental” review of Royal Mail June 16, 2015 Communications regulator Ofcom today announced plans for a "fundamental" review into Royal Mail's direct delivery service, sparked by the withdrawal of Whistl, Royal Mail's only rival in the sector. Read more: Opinion – Lessons learned as final Royal Mail parcel goes on sale Shares were down 2.5 per cent at 492p as Ofcom said the [...]
Ofcom details proposed price caps on BT’s high-speed business lines June 12, 2015 Ofcom has detailed proposed price controls on BT's leased telecoms lines, saying they would mean significant reductions for many businesses reliant on the high-speed lines. BT has "significant power" in the £2bn leased lines market, which provides vital high-speed broadband and mobile services, according to Ofcom who want to implement charge controls. Read more: BT dismisses [...]
Government to begin selling remaining Royal Mail stake for £767m June 10, 2015 The government is to begin selling off its final 30 per cent stake in in the Royal Mail in the next few days, after George Osborne announced the sale last week. Read more: Osborne must put taxpayer value over a rapid privatisation The sell-off, of 15 per cent of the business, is expected to raise [...]
Premium phone charges set to drop under new Ofcom rules May 25, 2015 CHARGES to premium phone lines are set to get a little bit cheaper under sweeping changes to be introduced in July by the communications regulator Ofcom. The new rules will affect phone numbers beginning with 08, 09 or 118, which are typically used by customer service and information lines as well as by directory enquiries. [...]