Ofcom outline their priorities for 2021/22 and you can air your views
This year has highlighted the importance of communications services. Ofcom recognise and respond to this in their proposed 2021/22 workplan.
The document was published today and the priorities within it can be broken down into five areas:
- Investment in strong, secure networks. For example, supporting ongoing investment in broadband and mobile networks.
- Getting everyone connected. Includes ensuring those in the hardest to reach locations have good connectivity.
- Fairness for customers. Encompasses broadband, phone and TV customers.
- Supporting and developing UK broadcasting. Such as by helping the UK media sector meet the changing needs of viewers and listeners.
- Preparing to regulate online harms. Includes completing the introduction of the new video-sharing platform regulations alongside preparing to regulate online harms.
They will also be taking steps to ensure that they can carry out their evolving duties:
- Strengthening Ofcom for the future. As their sectors and duties are increasingly shaped by online activities Ofcom want to ensure they are prepared, such as via evolving their skills.
- Developing new partnerships. Includes building on existing relationships with domestic and international stakeholders including industry.
This document comes only a few months after they published an update on their outputs and milestones for 2020/21.
Accompanying Consultation
The accompanying consultation response form contains 11 questions (the reponse form has been updated as it previously contained just one question).
If you do please respond using this form by 5pm on 5 February 2021. If are a techUK member and would like to be involved in our relevant activities please get in touch.
Accompanying Events
In addition to the consultation to engage stakeholders Ofcom are running a series of virtual events to discuss their priorities for 2021/22.
Ofcom will consider all views provided through either the formal consultation or these virtual events, ahead of publishing the final plan of work in March 2021.
UK wide event details: Wednesday 20 January 2021, 10:00-11:30, register HERE.
Events are also taking place in each of the nations, you can find out more here.
Jaynesh Patel
Jaynesh Patel is Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, leading the Communications Infrastructure and Services Programme at techUK and overseeing the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.
Josh Turpin
Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.
Matthew Wild
Matthew joined techUK in August 2023 as a Programme Assistant, supporting the Communications Infrastructure programme, as well as the Digital Connectivity and Spectrum Policy Fora.
Tales Gaspar
Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.
