Comments on White Paper

British Telecommunications PLC
12 December 2000


NR00101 December 12, 2000


                  BT COMMENTS ON COMMUNICATIONS WHITE PAPER

BT today described the Communications White Paper, published by the Department
of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Culture Media and Sport
(DCMS), as a positive step.

Ian Morfett, director, regulatory affairs, said:'The world has changed beyond
recognition since the pre-Internet, pre-broadband days when the old regulatory
structures were set up. Further change is on the way, and we applaud the
Government's desire for a 21st century framework for a 21st century industry.

'New thinking is essential for the healthy future of e-business and
e-government as well as the descendants of today's media players. In the
digital world, it makes little sense to regulate content in isolation from the
networks and services which convey that content. A converged and consistent
framework must be the correct approach for a converging set of industries.

'A successful communications industry requires light touch regulation that
rewards innovation, new ideas and entrepreneurial initiative, and places
consumer interest at its heart.

'BT will engage positively and constructively with the Government to ensure
these principles are fully reflected in workable legislation which supports
the UK's position as a leading country in the digital age.'

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