Ofcom launches UK communications review

Steve Unger

UK broadcast regulator Ofcom has launched a review of the UK’s digital communications market to investigate competition, investment and innovation across the broadband, mobile and landline markets.

Ofcom said that it expected the review focus on three areas in particular: ensuring the right incentives for private-sector investment; maintaining strong competition and tackling obstacles that might be holding the sector back; and identifying whether there is scope for deregulation in some areas.

“We have seen huge changes in the phone and broadband markets since our last major review a decade ago. Only five years ago, hardly any of us had used a tablet computer, high-definition streaming or 4G mobile broadband,” said Ofcom’s acting chief executive, Steve Unger.

“Our new review will mean Ofcom’s rules continue to meet the needs of consumers and businesses by supporting competition and investment for years to come.”

The review will be Ofcom’s second major assessment of the UK telecoms sector, having run its first review between December 2003 and September 2005.