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Interim conclusions of Ofcom's Strategic Review of Digital Communications - the first strategic assessment of the telecomms sector in ten years - have been released 

Ofcom yesterday set out the interim conclusions and next steps to implement its strategy to make sure digital communications markets continue to work for consumers, citizens and businesses.

Ofcom announced a Strategic Review of Digital Communications in 2015 – the first strategic assessment of the telecommunications sector in ten years and only the second since Ofcom was established. Following the publication of a Discussion Document in July 2015, Ofcom has now set out the interim conclusions and next steps to implement the strategy which focuses on five areas:

• the guarantee of universal broadband availability at a sufficient speed to meet modern consumer needs;
• support for investment and innovation in ultrafast broadband networks (such as fibre to homes or businesses) by giving BT's competitors improved access to its infrastructure;
• improvements in the quality of service delivered by the whole of the telecoms industry, including Openreach, BT’s access network division;
• increased independence of Openreach from BT so that it is more responsive to all of its customers;
• and consumer empowerment so that people can understand the array of choices available to them and are able to switch to the best value deal easily.

Raj Sivalingam, techUK's Executive Director for Telecommunications and Spectrum commented: “Ofcom has set down a strong ambition to see that UK’s digital communications infrastructure continues to develop at the pace appropriate for the modern age. This and the aim to provide more choice and better service for customers is to be applauded. Good connectivity is key to the growth of our economy and increasing digital inclusion across the UK. Industry has made great progress in improving fixed line and mobile coverage and will continue working with Ofcom and Government to connect those underserved by current networks. We welcome the recognition that this ambition goes hand in hand with the need for an environment that encourages the large-scale investment that will be required. This must be more than just a slogan and must be followed by action. To achieve this connectivity with the widest possible coverage, we must look at deploying a full range of technologies and ensure that all sectors have access to the spectrum they need.

Ofcom has done a good job in balancing inputs from traditional telcos as well as smaller alternative providers. We now need to move towards a speedy conclusion to this review, particularly around the future of Openreach. Uncertainty is bad for any industry, it curbs investment and innovation. All parties will want a resolution to this important issue.”

Further information about the Communications Infrastructure Programme is available, and the next meeting of the Communications Policy Council will be held on Thursday 10 March 2016.