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Ofcom has today published its 2016/17 Annual Plan, outlining Ofcom’s programme of work for the next financial year.

Building on Ofcom’s plans established through the Ofcom’s interim conclusions of the Strategic Review of Digital Communications, key areas of interest within Ofcom’s Annual Plan are:

• Supporting the implementation of a new broadband universal service obligation (USO) giving everyone the right to a decent broadband service. Ofcom’s work will include technical advice and regulations, including making regulations for the designation of universal service provider/s and appointing universal service provider/s as required.
• Ensuring that European regulatory frameworks work for the UK, as they adapt to market changes in terms of convergence, consolidation, new technologies and new consumer behaviour. Ofcom will play a leading role (with the UK Government) in European initiatives under the Digital Single Market Strategy, in particular in the review of the European Framework for Electronic Communications Networks.
• Creating the opportunity for large-scale deployment of more ultra-fast networks. Following the Initial Conclusions of Ofcom’s Strategic Review of Digital Communications, Ofcom will both improve access to Openreach’s telegraph poles and ducts and support the implementation of the Government’s Broadband Cost Reduction Directive.
• Spectrum-related activities of work, including awarding the 2.3 and 3.4 GHz spectrum bands once the outcome of the European Commission inquiry is known, and implementing the strategy for 700MHz change of use.

Ofcom’s full Programme of Work 2016/17 with timings is available here.

techUK's Communications Policy Council leads consultation responses to Ofcom, please get in touch with Skye MacLeod if you would like any further information. 

Skye MacLeod, Programme Manager 
T 020 7331 2191 
E skye.macleod@techuk.org