Oftel starts ball rolling for telecoms Ombudsman

Plans to set up a telecoms Ombudsman will progress in September with a workshop organised by Oftel as the regulator begins the process of appointing a governing board.

The purpose of the Ombudsman will be to resolve disputes between consumers and telecom companies more quickly without the need to go to court.

An Oftel spokeswoman said: "We hope those wanting to be involved will attend the initial workshop in September."

She added: "The governing body is to be made up from people who have experience in the industry, including telcos, consumer groups and elsewhere."

The timetable issued by Oftel will see the appointment of a governing body followed by the Ombudsman being named and the agreement of the Ombudsman's terms of reference and a publicity launch. The position will be officially launched in April 2002.