Ofcom Outlines Superfast Broadband, 4G Priorities For Next 12 Months

Ofcom has outlined its priorities for the next financial year and says it will continue to implement policies that result in quality, affordable and widespread communications services for consumers and business in the UK.

The communications watchdog says it will continue to monitor and promote the ongoing roll-outs of fibre and 4G, and says it is developing new targets for Openreach that will mean faster line repairs and installations for broadband telephone services, while it will also require mobile operators to provide more information to consumers.

Ofcom is due to publish average mobile broadband speeds for 3G and 4G customers and is also looking to ensure that the UK makes the best use of its spectrum resources through technologies such as white spaces.

Ofcom annual plan

The organisation also plans to ensure that there is sufficient spectrum available for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow this summer, similar to the measures introduced for the 2012 Olympic Games in London two years ago.

However, as coverage of fixed line and mobile superfast broadband improves, the regulator wants to ensure that services remain affordable for vulnerable consumers through enhanced competition. It also reiterated plans to make 080 calls free from mobile phones from Summer 2015 and its intention to tackle nuisance calls and bill shock.

The European Commission’s Connected Continent package of proposals will also be looked at to ensure they benefit UK consumers as part of Ofcom’s remit to contribute and implement public policy as defined by parliament.

Last month, Ofcom claimed that the UK had the highest adoption and coverage of superfast broadband among the five biggest European economies, and published details of the most-complained about communications firms, with BT and Orange faring the worst in the rankings.

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