BBC response to publication of Communications Bill
Following the publication today of the Communications Bill the BBC said:
"The BBC welcomes the creation of OFCOM as the single regulator for the converging communications markets.
"The BBC also welcomes the emphasis which the Bill places on the continuing vital role of public service broadcasting in the digital age, and is happy to sit within the common regulatory framework which the Bill will establish for all broadcasters.
"The BBC and its Board of Governors looks forward to working with OFCOM to ensure that the benefits of free-to-air public service broadcasting are secure.
"We welcome the Bill's recognition of the need for universal availability of public service broadcasting, in the digital age, through the continance of must carry rules on digital cable and allocated spectrum on digital terrestrial.
"However, we are very disappointed that even the modest provisions contained in the draft Bill for a must offer/must carry regime on digital satellite - which is the dominant digital platform - have been removed.
"We believe that the Bill needs to implement a must carry regime covering all digital platforms, from the moment of its implementation."
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