Communications Providers Independent ADR Service

Communications Industry launches Alternative Dispute Resolution service

UKCTA and CIArb have developed an alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service to help keep the Communications Industry out of court.

May 3 rd 2005 – UKCTA and the CIArb announce the launch of a new alternative dispute resolution (ADR) service providing cost-effective, IT-enabled and private resolution of disputes across the entire communications industry.

This all-inclusive ADR service helps to develop a co-regulatory process that recognises a balance of responsibilities across the regulator and an industry that has matured. Previously, there had been no structured alternative means of solving communications disputes which fell outside the remit of the industry regulator Ofcom, other than through the courts - a route that can be drawn out and damaging for all parties due to high legal costs, tying up of valuable internal expert resources, publication of sensitive company data and the unwanted media spotlight.

ADR will help to ensure fair dealing within an increasingly competitive communications industry. It does so by providing a level playing field for parties who otherwise may be poles apart. It does so by providing cost effective, quick, independent and impartial access to mediation and adjudication services, available on or offline.

UKCTA is a trade association committed to establishing a genuinely competitive communications market in the UK that maximises investment and innovation and is free from discrimination favouring monopoly incumbents.  UKCTA pursues this objective through advocating pro-competitive regulatory and policy solutions to the communications industry regulator, Ofcom, the Government and other relevant organisations.

Huw Saunders, spokesperson for UKCTA, said: ‘’ UKCTA wants to ensure that every reasonable step to resolve a dispute is taken before going to court. Many communications providers are interconnected. This gives great scope for the possibility of disputes within the industry. For example, in just one phone call there can be a variety of communications providers involved in the conveyance of the call prior to termination. This often involves complex arrangements which can result in disputes”.

He continued: "When choosing the dispute resolution provider, UKCTA went though a rigorous selection procedure carried out by a panel of 10 experts from the communications sector. UKCTA approached four potential providers based on their quality, expertise, cost and credibility and chose the CIArb because of its broad experience in the communications sector matched to an excellent understanding of our needs."

Kip Meek, Senior Partner for Competition and Content at OFCOM, added: “Ofcom welcomes UKCTA’s initiative in developing an independent ADR service. This will help industry to resolve disputes without need for formal intervention by Ofcom. We also welcome the fact that anyone in the industry will be able to make use of the scheme.”

Other non-UKCTA organisations who are supporters of the service provided by the CIArb include Orange Personal Communications, the Internet Service Providers Association, the Commonwealth Telecommunications Association, the Federation of Communications Services and the newly formed Strategic Supplier Relationship Group.

For further information please see www.communications-adr.com

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