Jeremy Hunt releases open letter on telecommunications

Date: 18/05/2011

The UK's 0800 number providers may have to work towards driving "growth and innovation" in the future.

This is according to culture secretary Jeremy Hunt, who has written an open letter discussing how the nation's communications sector must develop.

He stated that "unnecessary burdens" need to be removed from the industry, while ensuring consumers are protected.

The government is seeking the opinions of those working in communications jobs to enable it to develop a green paper before a draft bill is drawn up.

"We want a communications framework that will drive growth and innovation, remove unnecessary burdens and continue to protect consumers and the public," Mr Hunt stated.

He suggested that in order to "stay ahead of the curve", the country needs to imagine how telecommunications will look in 15 years' time.

Speaking to ZDNet, a spokeswoman from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport explained this is not a formal consultation, but a "first stage in engagement".

Individuals have until June 30th to respond to Mr Hunt's letter.