Does OS use a monopoly position to prevent fair and transparent competition in the geographical information market?
Q6.1 OS is the only source for much of GB’s essential geographic reference data. It makes that data available on terms which do not encourage competition, stimulate an active third-party GI “Value-Added” supplier market or encourage wider GI uptake. OS licensing terms are perceived as restrictive and complex and their prices high and inflexible. Q6.2 In our opinion, OS licensing terms are designed to protect the current OS business model which is risk averse but puts pressure on OS to make a financial surplus. The model places OS at the centre of the supply chain, focusing on achieving benefit for OS rather than considering primarily how the UK can best secure its future geographic information needs. Q6.3 At present no third party supplier can access the OS base data except through the acquisition of OS products which we consider to be of “added value”. Q6.4 We believe that OS needs to be split in two: an upstream producer/ procurement activity to meet public sector requirements (ie to
