Watchdog plans to tackle poor mobile phone coverage
By Abigail Townsend
Date: Monday 03 Dec 2018
(Sharecast News) - Ofcom has published its proposed programme of work for the next financial year, including supporting the government as it quits the European Union and improving mobile phone coverage across the UK.
The communications watchdog, which monitors the telecoms, broadcasting and postal services industries, has detailed how it intends to spend its provisional £124.4m budget for 2019/20 - which is unchanged on the current year - and what its core areas of focus will be.
One of the main ones will be Brexit. It said: "We will continue to provide advice to the UK government to support its discussions on the detail of the UK's future relationship with the EU, including any legislative changes needed.
"As the UK leaves the EU, we will keep engaging with industry to understand its priorities, and work to ensure that consumers' interests are protected."
Other commitments detailed in the 2019/2020 Annual Plan include delivering universal mobile phone coverage and broadband services. Currently both vary significantly across the country, especially for customers in rural areas.
But Ofcom insisted: "We will implement the government's legislation to ensure that everyone, wherever they live in the UK, can access decent broadband. This will involve designating one or more broadband 'universal service providers' and setting rules for how they must deliver the service."
As for mobile phones - which will see new 5G services launch next year - Ofcom said it would explore technology and policy options to improve mobile coverage in rural areas and indoors.
"As we prepare to auction new airwaves for mobile services, we will develop proposals for new coverage rules," it added. "These would require some winning bids to improve mobile coverage in rural areas."
Ofcom will also consult on whether there needs to be more transparency in bundled airtime and handset contracts, including breaking down the cost of different parts of the package.
Other areas of focus will be monitoring the recent legal separation of Openreach from BT; "our work to maintain and strengthen public service broadcasting"; and adapting its approach to regulation in recognition of the growth of online communication services.
The Annual Plan is open to consultation until 8 February 2019, with a final draft due for publication in March.
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