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March 12, 2015

Ofcom to put UK digital comms market under microscope

Initial discussion document will be released in summer 2015.

By Alexander Sword

Ofcom has announced an overarching review of the UK’s digital communications markets.

The Strategic Review of Digital Communications will assess levels of competition, investment and innovation, as well as the availability of products in broadband, mobile and landline markets.

The UK communications watchdog expects the review will focus on three main areas: ensuring the right incentives for private sector investment, maintaining strong competition and tackling obstacles holding the sector back, and identifying if there is scope for deregulation.

This review comes nearly ten years after Ofcom’s previous major review, which began in December 2003 and concluded in September 2005. This led to rules allowing competitors to access BT’s network on equal terms.

Ofcom will engage in coming months with industry stakeholders before releasing a discussion document in summer 2015. Initial conclusions will be outlined around the end of the year.

Steve Unger, Ofcom Acting Chief Executive, said: "We have seen huge changes in the phone and broadband markets since our last major review a decade ago. Only five years ago, hardly any of us had used a tablet computer, high-definition streaming or 4G mobile broadband.

"Our new review will mean Ofcom’s rules continue to meet the needs of consumers and businesses by supporting competition and investment for years to come."

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