The multi-operator market
In order for a multi-operator mail market to run smoothly, we must set out clearly how companies are expected to work together wherever necessary, and make sure that proper systems are in place to deal with any "overlaps" between operators, so that users receive a good service.
- The licensing framework sets out the requirements on each licensee and aims to strike a balance between protecting customers and encouraging new postal operators to come into the market.
- The mail integrity code is designed to improve security of the mail and minimise the risk of loss or theft of mail. The code came into force on 1 January 2006.
- The common operational procedures code is designed to manage inter-operator issues expected to occur in a multi operator market. The code came into force on 1 January 2006. Licensees are required by the Code to sign up to a default agreement (pdf, 258KB) that has effect in the absence of bilateral arrangements, for managing these issues between operators.
- At present Royal Mail is the only postal operator offering a redirection service. All mail handled by Royal Mail is subject to redirection (whether or not that is mail within the licensed area). As competitors offering an end-to-end service gain an increased share of a liberalised postal market, there is a risk that the redirection service will suffer unless redirection data is made available to all end-to-end operators wishing to provide redirection services. Postcomm is proposing that Royal Mail share redirection data with other operators, and in a manner that is consistent with the Data Protection Act 1998, to enable end-to-end operators to redirect mail. (More information about Postcomm's policy on data protection.)
- Not all licensed operators have identifying stamps or logos on their envelopes, so mail identification - a series of unique codes - will ensure that, if mail does get into the wrong operator's network, its true "owner" is easily identifiable. This system came into force on 1 January 2006.
