UK’s Ofcom to launch digital telecoms review

UK’s Ofcom to launch digital telecoms review

British regulator Ofcom said today that it will undertake an “overarching review of the UK’s digital communications market”, in a bid to ensure that the demands of enterprises and consumers are being met.

The review is Ofcom’s second major assessment of the telecoms sector – after an evaluation in December 2003 to September 2005 – and in a statement the regulator said that this year’s review will focus on three key aspects.

These include ensuring the right incentives for private-sector investment, maintaining strong competition, and identifying the 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,” said Steve Unger, acting CEO at Ofcom.

“Only five years ago, hardly any of us had used a tablet computer, high-definition streaming or 4G mobile broadband. 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 UK telecoms market has transformed over the last decade and looks set to continue to do so.

BT ­announced plans to upgrade its fibre network in January this year, and last month Virgin Media said it would invest £3 billion to increase the reach of its fibre network in the UK.

Ofcom also laid out a strategy to support IoT development in the UK in January this year. 

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