Postcomm consults on standard licence applications from Hays, TNT UK and TPG Post UK

Postcomm today began consultation on the proposed issue of new long term
standard licences to three companies: Hays Commercial Services Limited, TNT
UK Limited and TPG Post UK Limited. They are the first applicants for standard
licences which mark the start of wider competition in postal services.
All these companies currently hold interim postal licences, which are restricted
to pilot schemes of a minimum of 12 months’ duration. The new standard
licence will have a minimum life of seven years.
If issued, the standard licences would enable these companies to carry bulk mail
and provide consolidation, enhanced document exchange and tracked business-to-
business services. The licences would come into operation on 1 January 2003.
Notes for Editors
Postcomm today published the standard licence. The licence formalises the first
step of the introduction of competition into postal services. From 1 January 2003
until March 2005, 30% by value of UK letters business will be open to
competition. Competitors will be able to enter the market for bulk mail above
4000 items per mailing, for consolidated mail services and certain niche
services. From 2005, a further 30% of the letters market will be open to
competition, with full competition in 2007.
Details of Postcomm’s market opening strategy can be found in Promoting
Competition in UK Postal Services – a Decision Document, which was
published on 29 May 2002. It can be accessed from the Competition section of
the Postcomm website, www.postcomm.gov.uk. The press notice issued at the
time is in the Media Brief section.
The deadline for responses to the consultation is 11 December 2002. The text of
the consultation and the proposed licences can be found on Postcomm’s
website. Copies are available from Postcomm at 6 Hercules Road London SE1
7DB
Postcomm – the Postal Services Commission – is an independent regulator. It has been
set up to further the interests of users of postal services. Postcomm’s main tasks are to:
_x0001__x0002_ Seek to ensure a universal postal service at an affordable uniform tariff
_x0001__x0002_ Further the interests of users wherever appropriate through competition
_x0001__x0002_ License postal operators
_x0001__x0002_ Control postal prices and quality of service
_x0001__x0002_ Advise on the future role of the post office network.
Postcomm’s policies are steered by a board of seven commissioners, headed by the
chairman, Graham Corbett CBE.