From 'The Times' today, 25 Oct 2007.

http://technology.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/tech_and_web/article2733670.ece


Quote:

Labour conspired with mobile-phone companies to let them impose high bills on consumers for international calls, according to documents obtained by The Times. Frank messages involving civil servants and a minister detail how Britain led a dogged campaign to prevent Europe imposing swingeing cuts in “roaming” charges. At one point, when negotiations suggested that the EU would impose a tough line on the companies, a civil servant e-mailed Vodafone to say: “UK still not happy bunnies.” Consumer experts were appalled by the disclosures, under the Freedom of Information Act, which show that the Government and phone businesses acted in concert to fight compulsory price cuts.

..and is anyone who reads this site in the slightest bit surprised by this treachery? What hope have you got when your supposed 'allies' are actually stabbing you in the back? No wonder Ofcom is so frigging ineffectual. They have been ordered to be by their political masters! Well, I suppose Ed Richards and his directors have got to keep their snouts in the trough. Wonder how much they got in back-handers for playing this game?

Disgraceful!   >:(

I notice that this article has now completely disappeared from today's (25 Oct 2007) web version of 'The Times' (It was prominent overnight on the front page as a leading story.)

Wonder who requested that pulled? >:(

However, the link in the original posting is still active.  ;)

And of course, Labour uses a 0870 for main contact. We'll have to wait and see whether that is changed and what to in the coming months.

There's an article on the Ch4 news website

http://www.channel4.com/news/articles/arts_entertainment/media/labour+blocked+phone+bill+cuts/959162?intcmp=rss_news_itnnews

Dave wrote on Oct 25^th, 2007 at 1:02pm:

And of course, Labour uses a 0870 for main contact. We'll have to wait and see whether that is changed and what to in the coming months.

Of the main three, Labour is the only one to use an NGN. Surprising? I think not!

This is typical of 'our' government.  In most countries, a government looks after its own people.  Not here.  If USA want to have any Brit extradited, ar*e licking UK government hands him over - no need to show any evidence.  It doesn't work the other way around.  Even the Russians refuse to extradite their own people.

The same with big business.  UK government sides with big business to fleece the consumer.  No wonder they call Britain 'Treasure Island'!