Ofcom Announce Telecoms Review

Ofcom has announced plans to carry out a year-long review to take stock of changes in the telecoms sector aimed at fine-tuning regulations for the future.

“The arrival of the new… regulator, 19 years after the privatisation of BT and the creation of Oftel, presents a unique opportunity to look afresh at these important and dynamic markets,” Ofcom’s Chief Executive Stephen Carter said.

The comprehensive review, the first in 13 years, will determine Ofcom’s future approach to the sector and include the creation of a new regulatory framework, it said in a statement.

“This framework will set out opportunities to withdraw from regulation, wherever appropriate, as well as identifying areas where regulation is effective and should be retained, or applied in a different manner,” the statement on Friday said.

While the review is underway, Ofcom said it would continue with the regulatory policies inherited from Oftel.

“However, should any major strategic issues arise in the next few months, they would be considered in the context of the ongoing strategic review,” it said.