New Consumer Panel member brings strong understanding of telecoms
New Consumer Panel member brings strong understanding of telecoms (PDF)
9 November 2006
The Consumer Panel, the independent voice for the consumer interest in telecoms and broadcasting , has today announced the appointment of Alan Horne as a new Panel member.
Alan brings to the Panel an in depth knowledge and experience in the telecoms industry, which began with a BT-sponsored Degree, followed by a Masters in Telecommunications. "This gave me a sound understanding of all aspects of fixed, wireless and satellite communications," Alan explained.
He has just stepped down as Vice Chairman of InterConnect Communications, the company that he set up in the mid-1980s, but continues to sit on the Board of the Communications Managers Association as their Enterprise Director. He set up InterConnect Communications specifically to support enterprises take advantage of the newly liberalised telecommunications market.
"Since founding InterConnect Communications I have developed consumer affairs, radio spectrum, communications and information services policy. My aim was to support a competitive environment for communications and media systems and services throughout Europe," Alan said.
Alan was also of Chairman of the Brussels-based consulting subsidiary Eurostrategies for more than five years, Product Management Director of Mitel Telecom and a member of the Board of Mitel UK.
Welcoming the appointment, Colette Bowe, Chairman of the Consumer Panel, said:
"Alan has extensive understanding of the telecoms industry, and this is why his selection is so invaluable to the Panel. Alan is joining us at an important time. The plans for digital switchover are gathering momentum, and there is fast growth of the Internet and online services. These changes will have a major impact on us all, and in particular disadvantaged groups and consumers on low incomes. Alan's contribution to the Panel as a telecoms expert will help us to represent the consumer and citizen concern better. So, together with the other Panel members, I am delighted to welcome Alan."
Ends
Notes to editors and CSEs
The Consumer Panel was established to advise Ofcom on the consumer interest in the markets it regulates. The Panel is independent and sets its own agenda. Visit www.communicationsconsumerpanel.org.uk for more information.
The Panel's members appointed by Ofcom are:
Colette Bowe, Chairman
Ruth Evans, Deputy Chairman
Fiona Ballantyne
Roger Darlington
Simon Gibson
Alan Horne
Graham Mather
Kevin McLaughlin
Jeremy Mitchell
Kate O'Rourke
Bob Twitchin
Allan Williams
Alan Horne is based in Tintern in Monmouthshire. He set up InterConnect in Wales , and chaired the Welsh Information Society group reviewing the use of new Information and Communications Technologies by s mall and medium-sized enterprises. It was a multi-language company employing Welsh language speakers as well as linguists in French, German and Spanish.
An electronic photograph of Alan Horne is available.