OFCOM publishes Annual Plan on day that convergence becomes reality

Ofcom, the regulator for the UK communications industries (with responsibilities across television, radio, telecommunications and wireless communications services) published its 2006/2007 Annual Plan today. The publication of the plan coincides with the announcement of cable operator NTL’s acquisition of Virgin Mobile, the virtual mobile phone operator. This takeover creates the UK’s first company capable of providing a convergent offering to consumers of cable TV, internet access, fixed line telephony and mobile phone services. The expectation of convergence of these industries and services led to the passing of the Communications Act 2003 and the establishment of Ofcom.

Ofcom’s 2006/2007 Annual Plan reflects “rapidly-evolving developments in the communications sector” and in particular, the “growing range of televisual content being delivered, on demand and streamed over an increasing number of plaforms and devices”. The Annual Plan also reflects the completion of Ofcom’s major strategic review and is focussed on ensuring that implementation of the strategic review delivers competition and quality for the consumer. It establishes nine priorities for Ofcom during the forthcoming financial year.

They are:

• Spectrum release: auctions and liberalisation; (This includes the facilitation of spectrum trading and the release of spectrum for DAB radio. Ofcom also promises a review of radio licensing)
• Implementation of the telecommunications strategic review; (This is predominantly concerned with ensuring that BT’s undertakings in relation to voice and broadband services are implemented in 2006/2007)
• Continued deregulation; (Further deregulation being considered includes a review of spectrum policy in the satellite sector and a lightening of licensing in the aeronautical and shipping radio sectors)
• Next-generation network deployment in telecommunications; (Ofcom plan a review of the regulatory implications of new networks and technology, inparticular, the effect of the availability of higher-speed broadband services)
• Public service broadcasting: future developments; (This will include a review of Channel 4, the development of a proposal for a public service publisher and further research on local TV)
• Content delivery; (Ofcom will continue its review of how new methods of delivering internet and media content are creating opportunities for innovation)
• Protection of citizens and consumers; (A high priority in this area is the protection of vulnerable citizens during the digital TV switchover)
• Availability and access; and (This will involve further work on promoting availability and access to communications services such as broadband and digital TV);
• Great international engagement; (Ofcom expect to be involved in European discussions on a revised EU framework for electronic communications, international negotiations on spectrum and the new EU directive on TV)

A copy of the Annual Plan for 2006/2007 can be found by clicking here.