The UK regulator adjusts its schedule in light of the coronavirus pandemic, but leaving its key priorities unchanged.
Background: Ofcom publishes its annual plan of work in the first quarter of each year. It consulted on its 2020/21 work plan between 7 January 2020 and 25 February 2020, with a view to finalise it by the end of March 2020. The coronavirus pandemic resulted in the regulator delaying the plan, as well as adjusting it to the priorities created by the pandemic. On 30 April 2020, Ofcom finalised the work plan for this year.
A flexible plan of work: Ofcom committed to keep the work plan flexible. It will publish quarterly updates with outputs and milestones, and will also update the plan in September 2020. The regulator’s strategic priorities remain unchanged, including the improvement of broadband and mobile services, fairness for customers, making online communications work for people and businesses, and enabling network security. Ofcom does not set a specific date for the award of spectrum in the 700MHz and 3.6–3.8GHz bands, but maintains it is committed to run an auction during this year.
What to look out for: Following the Government’s announcement of February 2020, that it is minded to appoint Ofcom as the new regulator for online harms, Ofcom is preparing for an expansion of its remit, with a view to making this area a major focus of work. The Government has already directed Ofcom to regulate video sharing platforms to protect children and the public from harmful and illegal content, and the regulator will consult on the topic during Q3 2020. With regard to network security, Ofcom will work with the Government to implement the outcome of the telecoms supply chain review, ensuring operators adhere to guidance related to security requirements. The regulator will also continue to build its cyber security capabilities.
The deadline of the wholesale fixed telecoms market review is extended by three weeks: On 30 April 2020, Ofcom announced an extended deadline for one of the major tasks it is currently carrying out – the wholesale fixed telecoms market review. This will set out the regulatory environment to facilitate investment in fibre for the next five years, and the approach to retiring Openreach’s copper network. The regulator will now accept responses up to 22 May 2020, and will accept new submissions from those who have already responded. Ofcom plans to ensure the new regulations take effect in April 2021.
