Reciprocity For British Telecommunications

EDM number 1779 in 1992-93, proposed by Peter Hain on 19/04/1993.

That this House calls on the Government to block applications to operate telecommunications services in Britain by the American companies AT&T, Sprint and MCI, at least until such time as the heavily protectionist American market is opened up to British telecommunications companies; notes that British Telecom's application to the US Federal Communications Commission to offer a global network for large businesses through its Cyclone project has still not been granted - despite the fact that it contains no radio and therefore does not infringe the US Radio Act; further notes that this Act is being used on a blanket basis to prevent foreign ownership of American telecommunications companies, whereas in stark contrast United States companies now own over 90 per cent. of British cable television businesses which have been permitted to enter the United Kingdom telecommunication market by offering local telephone and television services whereas British Telecom is prevented from offering television through its network; and recognises that reciprocity is vital if British companies are to have an opportunity of being one of the handful of big international telecom operators in the future.

This motion has been signed by a total of 58 MPs.