Introduced in December 2008, the Code helps ensure that consumers are aware of the likely broadband speeds they can get on their line from an ISP before signing up to a service.

A strengthened Code came into force in July 2011, through which ISP signatories have committed to give maximum speed estimates in the form of a range as early as practicable in the sales process.

The research shows that in 93 per cent of telephone enquiries made by mystery shoppers, an estimate of the broadband speed was given by the provider, and in 72 per cent of cases an estimate was given in the form of a range.

Prompting sales agents for speed information

The research has highlighted particular areas where ISPs need to improve. For example, some sales agents had to be prompted by mystery shoppers to provide speed estimates, despite the Code requiring that this information should be volunteered as early as possible in the sales process.

Overall, speed estimates were provided without prompting from the mystery shoppers in 59 per cent of all calls.

Providers who were most likely to give callers an estimated speed without prompting were Karoo (76 per cent of cases), Sky (72 per cent) and Plusnet (67 per cent).

TalkTalk (47 per cent of cases) and BT Total Broadband (48 per cent) were significantly less likely to provide a speed estimate without prompting from the caller.

Following discussions with Ofcom, both BT and TalkTalk have agreed to address this issue by amending their staff training and sales processes.

Better broadband speeds information

As a result of the mystery shopping research, Ofcom has taken action to further improve broadband speeds information for consumers, including:

• having ongoing discussions with ISPs about the information that their telephone sales agents provide to consumers and how this could be improved;
• making clear to ISPs that the Code’s requirement of providing information on speeds as early as possible in the call should be adhered to by ensuring that sales agents offer a speed estimate early in the conversation; and
• updating consumer guides on choosing a broadband provider and broadband speeds to help consumers ask the right questions before signing up to a new service or switching provider.

The Code was last updated in 2011 and Ofcom will carry out a further review over the next year to ensure that it is still appropriate for consumers’ needs.

Ofcom will also conduct further mystery shopping research next year to check whether improvements in compliance have been made.

Claudio Pollack, Ofcom’s Consumer Group Director, said: “It is vital that as the choice of broadband services expands, UK consumers get the best possible information when choosing a broadband provider. Our mystery shopping shows that, while consumer information about broadband speeds has improved in important areas, there is still more to be done.

“We are working with internet providers to improve information that consumers receive when they sign up to a new service and will continue to monitor this area closely.”

Price comparison sites

When buying a broadband service from an ISP that is signed up to the Code, consumers should ensure that they get a speed estimate and should know their rights to cancel a contract if speeds are significantly below that estimate.

Ofcom encourages consumers to seek information about broadband services before they choose a provider. Consumers can also use Ofcom-accredited price comparison sites to compare prices between broadband packages. These are Simplify Digital, BroadbandChoices, Broadband.co.uk and Cable.co.uk.

Ofcom’s mystery shopping research can be found here.

As well as mystery shopping research, Ofcom regularly publishes research into the actual speeds delivered by individual ISPs.

ENDS.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The Voluntary Code of Practice on Broadband Speeds was introduced in December 2008 to inform consumers of their likely maximum speed before signing up to a broadband service. A strengthened Code came into force in July 2011. Among other requirements, the new version of the Code requires ISPs to give estimated speeds in the form of a range as early as practicable in the sales process.  All the UK’s largest ISPs, representing over 95 per cent of UK broadband customers, have signed up to the Code.
2. In the case of cable services, the Code permits estimates to be provided as a single point rather than in the form of a range. This is because unlike copper-based broadband services, speed is not affected by the quality and length of the telephone line, meaning that there is more certainty about the speed which will be delivered.
3. A total of 1,369 mystery shops online and over the phone were completed between 17 December 2011 and 19 January 2012 to assess compliance with the code.
4. Under to section 3 of the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom has a duty to further the interests of citizens and consumers by, among other things, securing the availability of a wide range of electronic communications services and encouraging investment and innovation in relevant markets. Ofcom must have regard to the interests of consumers in respect of price, quality and value for money. Ofcom also has a duty to carry out, publish and take account of the results of research into consumers’ experiences of using communications services (sections 14 and 15 of the Communications Act 2003).

The local TV channels will broadcast on a specially-reserved ‘multiplex’; this is a discrete amount of spectrum used for broadcasting over digital terrestrial TV (DTT).

In addition to inviting applicants for 21 stations, Ofcom is today also inviting applications to run the local TV multiplex.

Initial areas for local TV

Following consultation, initial areas identified for local TV channels are:

Belfast, Birmingham, Brighton & Hove, Bristol, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Grimsby, Leeds, Liverpool, London, Manchester, Newcastle, Norwich, Nottingham, Oxford, Plymouth, Preston, Sheffield, Southampton and Swansea.

As well as broadcasting on DTT, local TV channels may choose to offer their services on satellite, cable and online.

The multiplex operator will be required to cover all of the areas above and to propose which areas additionally to cover; they can select from 44 other areas where coverage is technically possible or make a case for other areas to be added.

Ofcom’s statement can be found here. Invitations to apply can be found here.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Ofcom has provided technical assistance for local TV coverage planning and are overseeing the licensing of local TV services. This follows the Government’s policy statement in December 2011, and our public consultation that closed on 19 March.
2. The closing date for applications to run the 21 local TV channels and the multiplex is 13th August 2012. Ofcom expects to make decisions on successful applicants from this autumn.

Ofcom has today announced a number of appointments to the board of MG ALBA, the body responsible for funding Gaelic programming.

Two new members have been appointed and one existing member reappointed to the board, with terms running for four years effective from 1 May 2012.

The appointments were approved by the Secretary of State for Scotland, supported by Scotland’s Cabinet Secretary for Education and Lifelong Learning, following an independent appointment and selection process undertaken by Ofcom in Scotland.

The new members are:

Jo Macdonald

Jo MacDonald is a native Gaelic speaker from the island of Lewis. During a career spent largely with the BBC she worked at senior levels in radio, television and online. Before leaving the BBC at the end of 2008 she was Managing Editor of BBC Gàidhlig. Now working as a freelance writer, researcher, translator and broadcaster, Jo is a member of An Seotal’s Gaelic terminology panel and a member of The Sorley Maclean Trust.

David Brew

David Brew is a Gaelic learner. He is a Governor of Robert Gordon University and an adjudicating panel member of the General Teaching Council for Scotland. A senior civil servant until he retired from the Scottish Government last year, he was responsible from 2004 to 2006 for promoting the development of Gaelic, establishing Bòrd na Gàidhlig and sponsoring Gaelic-medium education. His subsequent responsibilities included community land ownership, crofting reform and fisheries management. He is also a former Chief Executive of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland.

The board member reappointed is:

Alasdair MacCaluim

Alasdair MacCaluim is a fluent Gaelic learner and has served as an MG ALBA board member since April 2008. He is Gaelic Development Officer with the Scottish Parliament, a post he has held since 2002. Before that he was Gaelic development officer with Perth and Kinross Council.

Michael Moore MP, Secretary of State for Scotland, said: “I would like to congratulate Jo and David on their successful appointments to the MG ALBA board and Alasdair on his reappointment to the board.”

Dr Alasdair Allan MSP, Minister for Learning, Science and Scotland’s Languages, said: “I am very pleased to welcome these new board members and would like to wish them well as they take up these new appointments under the leadership of the new Chair. MG ALBA has a key role to play in the promotion of Gaelic in Scotland and since 2008 it has made an important contribution to broadcasting in Scotland and has added significant value to many areas of Gaelic development. Our aim is to see an increase of people learning, using and speaking Gaelic in Scotland and the work of MG ALBA is central to this.”

Vicki Nash, Director of Ofcom (Scotland), said: “We are confident that these appointments provide the MG ALBA board with valuable skills and experience”.

In December 2011, Ofcom announced the appointment of Maggie Cunningham as the new Chairman of MG ALBA from the beginning of July 2012.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. The functions of MG ALBA are outlined in the Communications Act 2003. They are to secure that a wide and diverse range of high quality programmes in Gaelic are broadcast or otherwise transmitted to people in Scotland.

2. These appointments are the result of a recruitment process validated by an independent assessor. The approval of the Secretary of State is required for the appointment of MG ALBA board members and Chairman. The Scottish Government was also consulted as required in the operating protocol between Ofcom, the Scotland Office and the Scottish Government.

3. Ofcom now intends to continue with recruitment for two additional MG ALBA board members including a member representing the interests of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, which promotes the Gaelic language under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.

For further information about Ofcom please visit: www.ofcom.org.uk. Ofcom’s news releases can be found at: http://media.ofcom.org.uk/

CONTACT

Alan Stewart

Ofcom (Scotland)

0141 229 7402

alan.stewart@ofcom.org.uk

Ofcom a’ suidheachadh Bhall air Bòrd MG ALBA

Dh’ainmich Ofcom an-diugh, gun deach grunnan bhall a shuidheachadh air Bòrd MG ALBA, am buidheann a tha an urra ri bhith a’ maoineachadh phrògraman Gàidhlig.

Chaidh dithis bhall ùra a shuidheachadh agus chaidh aon bhall ath-shuidheachadh air a’ Bhòrd, airson teirm a mhaireas ceithir bliadhna bho 1 Cèitean 2012.

Chaidh na suidheachaidhean sin aontachadh le Rùnaire na Stàite airson Alba, le taic bho Rùnaire a’ Chaibineit airson Foghlam agus Ionnsachadh Fad-beatha an Alba, an dèidh pròiseas taghaidh agus suidheachaidh neo-eisimeilich a chaidh a dhèanamh le Ofcom an Alba.

Is iad na buill ùra:

Jo Nicdhòmhnaill

Is e Leòdhasach a tha fileanta sa Ghàidhlig, a tha ann an Jo Nicdhòmhnaill.  Rè a beatha-obrach, a chuir i seachad gu ìre mhòr aig a’ BhBC, bha i aig àrd-ìre ann an rèidio, telebhisean agus air-loidhne.  Mun àm a dh’fhàg i am BBC aig deireadh 2008 bha i na Manaidsear Deasachaidh aig BBC Gàidhlig.  Tha i a-nise ag obair air a ceann fhèin mar sgrìobhaiche, rannsaiche, eadar-theangair agus craoladair.  Tha Jo na ball den t-Seotal, am pannal airson briathrachas Gàidhlig agus na ball de dh’Urras Shomhairle MhicIlleathain.

Daibhidh Brew

Is e neach-ionnsachaidh na Gàidhlig a tha ann an Daibhidh Brew. Tha e na Neach-riaghlaidh air Oilthigh Raibeart Gòrdan agus na bhall rèiteachaidh air pannal de Chomhairle Teagaisg na h-Alba.  Bha e na àrd sheirbheiseach catharra gus an do leig e dheth a dhreuchd aig Riaghaltas na h-Alba an-uiridh, an urra ri bhith ag adhartachadh leasachadh na Gàidhlig eadar 2004 agus 2006, a’ stèidheachadh Bòrd na Gàidhlig agus a’ sponsaireadh foghlam tro mheadhan na Gàidhlig.  An dèidh sin bha e mar uallach air a bhith an sàs ann an cùisean ceannachd fearainn às leth na coimhearsnachd, ath-leasachadh croitearachd agus rianachd an iasgaich.  Bha e cuideachd ron seo na Cheannard air Institiut nan Cunntasairean Clàraichte an Alba.

Is e am ball den bhòrd a chaidh ath-shuidheachadh:

Alasdair MacCaluim

Tha Alasdair MacCaluim na neach-ionnsachaidh Gàidhlig a tha làn fhileanta agus tha e air a bhith air bòrd MG ALBA on Ghiblean 2008.  Tha e na Oifigear Leasachaidh Gàidhlig aig Pàrlamaid na h-Alba, dreuchd sa bheil e air a bhith bho 2002.  Ron sin bha e na oifigear leasachaidh Gàidhlig aig Comhairle Pheairt agus Cheann Rois.

Thuirt Mìcheal Moore BP, Rùnaire na Stàite airson Alba:  “Tha mi airson meal an naidheachd a chur air Jo agus Daibhidh airson a bhith soirbheachail ann a bhith air an suidheachadh air Bòrd MG ALBA agus air Alasdair airson a bhith air ath-shuidheachadh air a’ Bhòrd.”

Thuirt An t-Oll Alasdair Ailean BPA, Ministear Ionnsachadh, Saidheans agus Cànanan na h-Alba: “Tha mi air leth toilichte fàilte a chur air buill ùra a’ Bhùird agus tha mi a’ guidhe gach soirbheas dhaibh ann a bhith a’ gabhail nan dreuchdan ùra seo fo stiùir a’ Chathraiche ùir.  Tha prìomh dhleastanas aig MG ALBA ann a bhith ag adhartachadh na Gàidhlig an Alba agus bho 2008 tha e air cur gu mòr ri craoladh an Alba agus air luach chudromach a chur ri mòran raointean de leasachadh na Gàidhlig. Is e ar n-amas leudachadh fhaicinn san àireamh a tha ag ionnsachadh, a’ cleachdadh agus a’ labhairt na Gàidhlig ann an Alba agus tha obair MG ALBA aig teis-mheadhan na cùise seo.”

Thuirt Vicki Nash, Stiùiriche Ofcom (Alba): ‘Tha sinn cinnteach gun toir na suidheachaidhean seo sgilean agus eòlas luachmhor do bhòrd MG ALBA.”

San Dùbhlachd 2011, dh’ainmich Ofcom gun robh Magaidh Choineagan air a suidheachadh mar Cathraiche ùr MG ALBA bho thoiseach an Iuchair 2012.

AN DEIREADH

FIOSRACHADH DO LUCHD-NAIDHEACHD

1. Tha dleastanasan MG ALBA air am mìneachadh ann an Achd Conaltraidh 2003. Feumaidh iad dèanamh cinnteach gu bheil raon farsaing agus eadar-dhealaichte de dheagh phrògraman Gàidhlig air an craoladh no air an sgaoileadh air dhòigh eile gu daoine ann an Alba.

2.  Tha na suidheachaidhean sin mar thoradh air pròiseas a bha air a dhearbhadh le measadair neo-eisimeileach.  Feumar aonta Rùnaire na Stàite airson a bhith a’ suidheachadh bhall is Cathraiche air Bòrd MG ALBA.  Chaidh comhairle iarraidh air Riaghaltas na h-Alba mar a tha riatanach a rèir an aonta obrachaidh eadar Ofcom, Oifis na h-Alba agus Riaghaltas na h-Alba.

3. Tha Ofcom a-nis am beachd leantainn air adhart a’ sireadh dithis bhall eile airson bòrd MG ALBA is bidh seo a’ gabhail a-steach ball a bhios a’ riochdachadh ùidhean Bhòrd na Gàidhlig a tha ag adhartachadh na Gàidhlig fo Achd na Gàidhlig (Alba) 2005.

Community radio services are provided on a not-for-profit basis focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to a particular geographical community or a community of interest. The new awards mean that 251 community radio licences have been awarded, with 197 currently on air serving particular community needs.

Ofcom has awarded community radio licences for four services in Cornwall and Devon:

• CHBN, Truro, Cornwall
• Penwith Radio, Penzance, Cornwall
• Redruth Radio, Redruth, Cornwall
• Totnes FM, Totnes, Devon

Details of these new community radio services are as follows:

CHBN (Truro, Cornwall)
Contact: Mark Sanders
Public Address: The Elizabeth Sanders Studio, Royal Cornwall Hospital, Truro TR1 3LJ
Email Address:  info@chbnradio.org
Phone Number: 01872 252861
Website: www.chbnradio.org

CHBN will serve the Truro area. There will be a distinct focus on promoting issues of health, wellbeing and lifestyle topics.

Penwith Radio (Penzance, Cornwall)
Contact:  Alan Jones
Public Address: Penwith Radio, The Wharfside Shopping Centre, Penzance TR18 2GB
Email Address:  alanjones@penwithradio.co.uk
Phone Number: 01736 362884 or 07714 323934
Website: www.penwithradio.co.uk

Penwith Radio will serve the community of Penzance, Mounts Bay and Penwith in west Cornwall.

Redruth Radio (Redruth, Cornwall)
Contact:  Mr Stuart Williams
Public Address:  Redruth Radio, The Elms, 61 Green Lane, Redruth TR15 1LS
Email Address:  stu@redruthradio.co.uk
Phone Number: 01209 698005
Website: www.redruthradio.co.uk

Redruth Radio will provide a community radio service for Redruth and surrounding villages.

Totnes FM (Totnes, Devon)
Contact:  David Parsley
Public Address: Totnes FM, Unit A, The Scope Complex, Wills Road, Totnes TQ9 5XN

Email Address:   info@totnesfm.co.uk
Phone Number:  07912 694581
Website: www.totnesfm.co.uk

Totnes FM will provide a service for the community of Totnes and surrounding villages.

Licences are awarded for a five-year period.

A statement setting out the main determining factors for the award of the community radio licences referred to above will be published on our website in due course.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Applications for community radio licences are being invited on a region-by-region basis.  Further details can be found on the Ofcom website at: http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radio-broadcast-licensing/community-radio/apply-for-licence/

Ofcom today proposed a cap on prices that Royal Mail can charge for Second Class large letters and small parcels.

As part of last month’s statement on securing the universal postal service, Ofcom decided that the safeguard cap on Second Class letters should be extended to large letters and small parcels up to 2kg to further protect vulnerable consumers and small businesses.

Under today’s proposals, customers will have the same level of protection from price rises on Second Class small parcels and large letters as they have on Second Class letters.

This means that, over a seven-year period, average price increases on Royal Mail’s large letters and small parcels products would be capped in line with the percentage price increases allowed under the cap on Second Class letters. The cap would be indexed with CPI inflation and based on 2011/12 prices.

Research shows that the average household spends around 50p per week on postal services*. Of this, approximately half – 25p per week – is on large letters and small parcels.

The safeguard cap is designed to ensure that consumer expenditure on these items remains affordable.

Stuart McIntosh, Ofcom’s Group Director of Competition, said: “Ofcom’s decision to extend the safeguard cap will further protect vulnerable consumers and businesses.

“Our proposals ensure that prices of large letters and small parcels up to 2Kg will remain affordable.”

Securing a high quality UK postal service

Today’s proposal follows last month’s decision to give Royal Mail greater freedom in the way it sets its prices, subject to safeguards to ensure that consumers and competition are protected.

Ofcom’s new regulatory framework for post is designed to secure the continued sustainability of the universal postal service.

Ofcom’s consultation can be accessed here.

ENDS.

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Our proposal is to allow Royal Mail to increase prices across the ‘basket’ of Second Class small parcels and large letters up to 2kg by no more than the same proportion allowed for the letters format. We allowed Royal Mail to increase its letter prices by no more than 53% over the period of the control based on 2011/12 prices. This option would allow Royal Mail to increase the average price of the basket by no more than 53% compared to 2011/12 prices over the seven-year period of the control.
2. Royal Mail increased the weighted average price of these services by 14% in 2012/13. A cap of 53% would therefore allow a further 34% flexibility in pricing (in addition to CPI inflation) over the remainder of the seven-year period.
3. *Based on most recent 2011 Office of National Statistics data. Consumer Focus research showed that while consumers and vulnerable consumers claim to send significantly more letters than all other formats (both groups claimed that over 80% of the items they sent were letters), around 50% of the total expenditure on post was standard letters.
4. Ofcom took over regulation of postal services from Postcomm on 1 October 2011.
5. Ofcom is the independent regulator and competition authority for the UK communications industries, with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications, wireless communications and postal services.
6. For further information about Ofcom please visit: www.ofcom.org.uk. Ofcom’s news releases can be found at: http://media.ofcom.org.uk/

CONTACT

Chris Wynn

Ofcom Communications

ofcomnews@ofcom.org.uk

(+44) (0)300 123 4000

Community radio services are provided on a not-for-profit basis focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to a particular geographical community or a community of interest. This new award means that 247 community radio licences have been awarded in the UK, with 198 currently on air serving particular community needs.

Ofcom has awarded a community radio licence to:

Radio Beca

Contact: Geraint Davies

Email Address: Geraint.davies@mail.nasuwt.org.uk

Phone Number: 01545 570150 or 07974 366672

Address: Swyddfa Wes Glei, Campws Felin-fach, Dyffryn Aeron, Ceredigion SA48 8AF

Radio Beca will serve the communities of Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion and north Pembrokeshire, providing most of its content in Welsh.

The licence is awarded for a five-year period.

A statement setting out the main determining factors for the award of the community radio licence will be published on our website in due course.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Applications for community radio licences are being invited on a region-by-region basis.  Further details can be found on the Ofcom website at: http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radio-broadcast-licensing/community-radio/apply-for-licence/

Ofcom opened an investigation into HomeServe last year as part of its monitoring and enforcement programme aimed at reducing harm caused to consumers by silent and abandoned calls.

Silent calls and abandoned calls

Silent and abandoned calls, which can cause annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety for those that receive them, may be generated by automated systems known as diallers and answer machine detection (AMD) technology.

Dialler systems are mainly used in call centres. They automatically dial telephone numbers and connect the consumer to agents as soon as the phone is answered. AMD technology disconnects calls made to answer machines before they are put through to call centre agents, which can make call centres more efficient.

But problems sometimes occur, for example, when dialler systems generate more calls than are answered by call centre agents. Also, AMD technology can end a call when a person has answered because it mistakenly identifies the call as being picked up by an answer machine.

Ofcom investigation

Under Ofcom’s rules, there is a limit on the number of abandoned calls that companies are permitted to make to consumers. Ofcom’s investigation into HomeServe found that the company exceeded this abandoned call rate on 42 separate occasions during the period 1 February and 21 March 2011. This resulted in estimated 14,756 abandoned calls being made to consumers.

Ofcom rules also prohibit companies from making repeat calls to specific numbers within the same 24 hour period, where a call has been identified by AMD technology as having been picked up by an answer machine. Ofcom found that HomeServe made estimated 36,218 calls in breach of this rule.

In reaching its decision, Ofcom took account of a number of factors including, the steps taken by HomeServe to bring itself into compliance with the rules on silent and abandoned calls, and its offer to compensate consumers who suffered harm from receiving silent and abandoned calls as a result of its breach of the rules.

Ofcom has today decided that it is appropriate and proportionate to impose a financial penalty on HomeServe to reflect the seriousness of their breach, and to act as a deterrent to them and other companies who must comply with the rules.

Financial penalty

The fine is payable to Ofcom and passed on to HM Treasury. HomeServe is required to pay it within 30 days of receiving the penalty notification.

Ofcom’s Consumer Group Director, Claudio Pollack, said: “Our rules are there to prevent consumers suffering annoyance, inconvenience or anxiety from silent or abandoned calls.  We hope today’s fine will send a strong message to all companies that use call centres that they need to ensure they are fully compliant with the rules or face the consequences.”

Further details about the investigation can be found here.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Section 130 of the Communications Act 2003 gives Ofcom the power to impose financial penalties on parties found to have persistently misused an electronic communications network or electronic communications services.

2. In September 2010, Parliament approved an increase in the maximum financial penalty available to Ofcom to use to combat silent and abandoned calls, from £50,000 to £2m. This is the first time that Ofcom has imposed a fine on a company for silent or abandoned calls since the introduction of the revised maximum penalty.

3. Under Ofcom’s rules, the number of abandoned calls that companies make to consumers per day is not allowed to exceed 3 per cent of the total live calls make on that day.

4. Ofcom has an ongoing monitoring and enforcement programme that seeks to address consumer harm from silent and abandoned calls. Where informal enforcement action is not effective, Ofcom proceeds to an investigation and notification and/or fine. This has resulted in action against nine companies to date resulting in financial penalties.

5. HomeServe has established a dedicated helpline for consumers seeking compensation if they have been affected by silent or abandoned calls made by the company. The phone number is 0800 389 5280. HomeServe will offer £10 to claimants where their telephone number matches HomeServe’s records of those contacted while they were using AMD technology. Information on how to make a claim can be found on the HomeServe website at: http://www.homeserve.com/about/ofcom-statement

6. Ofcom’s consumer advice on how to avoid silent calls can be found here.

Evidence Ofcom submitted to the Leveson Inquiry on the future of press regulation, as requested by Lord Justice Leveson.

Submission to the Leveson Inquiry on the future of press regulation

Community radio services are provided on a not-for-profit basis focusing on the delivery of specific social benefits to a particular geographical community or a community of interest. The new awards mean that 246 community radio licences have been awarded, with 198 stations currently on air serving particular community needs.

Ofcom has awarded community radio licences for eight services in south west England and three in Wales. Ofcom has awarded community radio licences to:

• Bay FM Radio, Exmouth, Devon
• Q-mmunity Radio, Crediton, Devon
• The Voice, Barnstaple, Bideford & Ilfracombe, North Devon
• Pulse, Cheddar Valley, Somerset
• Access FM, Bridgwater, Somerset
• Apple FM, Taunton, Somerset
• Tone FM, Taunton, Somerset
• AIR, Weymouth, Dorset
• Glan Clwyd AM, Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire
• MônFM, Isle of Anglesey
• Harlech FM, Harlech, Gwynedd

Details of these new community radio services are as follows:

Bay FM Radio (Exmouth, Devon)
Contact: Andrew GreenPublic Address: Bay FM Radio, Dairy Crest Premises, Salterton Units, Salterton Road, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 2NS
Email Address: andy@bayfm.co.uk
Phone Number: 01395 542 547 ext 2 or 07772 947199
Website: www.bayfm.co.uk

Bay FM Radio will serve the community of Exmouth and the immediate surrounding area.

Q-mmunity Radio (Crediton, Devon)
Contact: Mrs J Mcdade
Public Address: QE Academy, Western Road, Crediton, Devon. EX17 3LU
Email Address:  j.mcdade@queenelizabeths.devon.sch.uk
Phone Number: 01363 773401

Q-mmunity Radio will target the Crediton learning community.  This includes the children served by Queen Elizabeth secondary school and their partner primary schools, as well as their families.

The Voice (Barnstaple, Bideford & Ilfracombe, North Devon)
Contact: Paul Crockett
Email Address: crockett.devon@gmail.com
Phone Number: 07779 321022
Website: www.thevoicefm.co.uk

The Voice will provide a community radio service for North Devon.

Pulse (Cheddar Valley, Somerset)

Contact:  Mark Carney
Public Address: Pulse Radio, The Coach House, Union Street, Cheddar, Somerset BS27 3NA
Email Address: mark.carney@pulseradio.org
Phone Number: 07515 746069
Website: www.pulseradio.org

Pulse will broadcast a service for the people of the Cheddar Valley and surrounding villages.

Access FM (Bridgwater, Somerset)

Contact: Martin Hodgson
Public Address: George Williams Centre, Friarn Avenue, Bridgwater, TA6 3RF
Email Address: afm@bridgwaterymca.org

Phone Number: 01278 422511
Website: www.bridgwaterymca.org/accessfm

This station will provide a service for the broad community within Bridgwater and surrounding villages.

Apple FM (Taunton, Somerset)
Contact: Simon West
Public Address: The Studio, Duchess Building, Musgrove Park Hospital, Taunton TA1 5DA
Email Address: simonw@appleam.com
Phone Number:  07896 884114
Website: www.appleam.com

Apple FM, based at Musgrove Park Hospital, will broadcast to the caring community in and around Taunton, including those in care at all hospital sites in the area, and their families and friends.

Tone FM (Taunton, Somerset)

Contact: Darren Cullum
Email Address:  darrencullum@googlemail.com

Phone Number: 07970 521201
Website: www.communityradiofortaunton.co.uk

Tone FM will provide a service for the over 45s in Taunton and the surrounding area.

AIR (Weymouth, Dorset)

Contact: Carl Greenham
Public Address: Westfield Arts College, Littlemoor Road, Weymouth, Dorset DT3 6AA
Email Address:  cgreenham@westfield.dorset.sch.uk

Phone Number: 01305 836050

Website: www.aironair.co.uk This station, based at Westfield Arts College, will broadcast for children and young people, including young people with learning difficulties, and their families.

Glan Clwyd AM (Bodelwyddan, Denbighshire)

Contact: Sue Reeves
Public Address: Glan Clwyd Hospital, Bodelwyddan, LL18 5UJ
Email Address:  chris@midblack.co.uk

Phone Number: 01745 584229
Website: www.rygc.co.uk

Glan Clwyd AM will broadcast to those aged 45+ in Bodelwyddan and surrounding areas.

MônFM (Isle of Anglesey)

Contact: Mark Adams
Public Address: Menter Mon, Llys Goferydd, Llangefni Industrial Estate, Llangefni, Anglesey, LL77 7XA
Email Address: mark@mentermon.com

Phone Number:  07843 356 064

Website: www.mentermon.com

MônFM will broadcast to communities across Anglesey.

Harlech FM (Harlech, Gwynedd)

Contact: Ros Owen
Public Address: Coleg Harlech WEA, St David’s Hill, Harlech, Gwynedd LL46 2PU
Email Address: info@fc.harlech.ac.uk

Phone Number: 01766 780 363
Website: www.harlech.ac.uk/en/

Harlech FM will be located at Coleg Harlech, and serve the biliingual community in and around Harlech.

Licences are awarded for a five-year period.

A statement setting out the main determining factors for the award of the community radio licences referred to above will be published on our website in due course.

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. In addition to the licence awards detailed above, Ofcom considered two further applications, but decided not to award a licence to the following groupsRadio FAM, Prestatyn, Denbighshire
   Community Radio Wales, St Asaph, Denbighshire
2. Applications for community radio licences are being have been invited on a region-by-region basis.  Further details can be found on the Ofcom website at: http://licensing.ofcom.org.uk/radio-broadcast-licensing/community-radio/apply-for-licence/

This major step is part of detailed plans to tackle consumer confusion about how much it costs to call businesses, public services and other organisations on 03, 08, 09 and 118 numbers.

Currently, the vast majority of 0800 phone numbers incur a charge for mobile callers of up to 21p a minute. Under today’s proposals, calls to 0800 numbers from a mobile would be free for consumers, in line with landlines.

Under the new proposals, Ofcom also proposes to clarify and simplify how calls to 08, 09 and 118 numbers are charged for. Services provided on these numbers include information, banking, directory enquiry and entertainment services.

Currently, unless they are using a BT line, callers are unable to tell how much they will be charged for such calls. In addition, callers are not able to understand how much the call costs as opposed to the cost of the service being provided via the call. Under Ofcom’s proposals, consumers will in future be presented with clear, transparent information on both.

The change to freephone, plus the other proposed changes, would create a new, simpler system for call charges – helping consumers regain trust in these numbers. Ofcom’s proposals follow new powers introduced in changes to the Communications Act in May 2011, as a result of revised European telecoms legislation.

Consumer confusion

Virtually every consumer and company in the country uses non-geographic numbers in some way. People use them to call businesses and government agencies like HM Revenue and Customs and NHS Direct, make payments for services and vote on TV shows.

However, Ofcom research has shown many people are confused about what non-geographic numbers are for and how much they cost, resulting in a lack of confidence and trust in the services.

As a result consumers make fewer calls to these numbers, providers are discouraged from using them and there is less innovation that might benefit consumers.

New proposals

Ofcom is proposing simpler numbering ranges for non-geographic calls, including:

• Freephone (080 and 116 numbers) to be free from all telephones – including landlines and mobile phones; and
• Revenue sharing ranges (08, 09 and 118 numbers) to have a new, standardised structure which will spell out the charge made by the phone company and the additional charges paid to the company being called.
• We also will remove some of the existing confusion around the 0845/0870 numbers and reinforce the 03 range where the cost of calls are the same price as calling a geographic number (i.e. numbers staring in 01 or 02).

Revenue sharing numbers

When a consumer phones a revenue sharing number, the price paid is divided between the phone company, who connect the call, and the call service, who receive the call.

Under the new proposals, the call cost will be ‘unbundled’ so that consumers will know exactly how much is paid to their phone provider and how much is passed on to other companies. The cost would therefore be made up of two parts:

• an Access Charge – a set price, in pence per minute, which goes to the phone company connecting the call (this will be set out in the consumer’s tariff package); and
• a Service Charge – the price, in pence per minute, paid to the terminating provider and the company providing the service.

This will provide a clear unambiguous message to consumers.

Currently, callers are told:

“This call will cost you X pence per minute on a BT line, calls may vary on other landline and cost considerably more on a mobile.”

Under the new structure, Ofcom expects call cost descriptions to follow the format:

“This call will cost you X pence per minute plus your phone company’s access charge.”

Consumers would be advised of their Access Charge at the point of sale when buying any new phone service. Subject to the results of the consultation, Ofcom intends to make a final decision on the new rules by early 2013.

Ed Richards, Chief Executive of Ofcom, said:

“Consumers are often confused about how much they will pay to call these number ranges. Under our proposals, people will have much clearer information and there will be greater competition on prices.

“By making calls to 0800 numbers free from all phones, we will clear up any uncertainty about making calls, especially from mobiles, to the benefit of consumers and service providers alike.”

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

1. Advice for consumers on call costs can be found at: http://consumers.ofcom.org.uk/2009/10/how-much-does-a-phone-call-really-cost/

2. Under section 3 of the Communications Act 2003, Ofcom is required to further the interests of citizens, in relation to communications matters, and further the interests of consumers in relevant markets, where appropriate by promoting competition.

3. The consultation on Simplifying Non-geographic Numbers can be found at: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/consultations/simplifying-non-geographic-no/

4. Ofcom published research on non-geographic telephone numbers in November 2011. It can be found at: http://stakeholders.ofcom.org.uk/binaries/research/telecoms-research/omnibus-survey.pdf