7 April 2020
ETSI forms a new Industry Specification Group (ISG) group to create standards addressing the limitations of TCP/IP when used in a mobile telephony environment. It seems that the fixes applied to utilise the 1970s technology in 4G operations have, in some respects, worsened performance and introduced additional costs. For more information, open a new tab here
Ofcom publishes EMF measurements taken near the locations of sixteen 5G mobile base stations in ten UK cities. The measurements suggest that the levels are a small fraction of international guidelines for non-ionising radiation. The report also shows that the contribution of 5G emissions to the overall emissions level is currently low — although, clearly, this will increase in the future. Another published report gives the results of EMF measurements of fixed wireless equipment operating in the 60GHz band. For more information, open a new tab here
17 December 2019
Ofcom consults on measures to ensure broadband, mobile, Pay TV and
landline customers get a fair deal. The proposed measures include a ban
on mobile service providers selling 'locked' phones; currently, BT
Mobile/EE, Tesco Mobile and Vodafone do so. For more information on all
the proposals,
open a new tab here
7 November 2019
Ofcom consults on a technical clarification of the guidelines to
Communication Providers (CPs) about Calling Line Identification. The
clarification proposes that any Public Communications Network Number may
be used as a Network Number provided that there's no breach of any
restriction/requirement in the National Telephone Numbering Plan, that
the number doesn't connect to a Premium Rate or revenue-sharing service,
and that it complies with obligations to provide accurate caller
location information to the emergency services for calls to numbers
'112' and '999'. For more information,
open a new tab here
5 November 2019
Ofcom anounces its decision to allow increases in the maximum permitted
system gain of low-gain in-vehicle mobile repeaters as follows:
Additionally, the 2·6 GHz frequency band (2500–2570 MHz uplink and 2600–2690 MHz downlink) is to be added to the list of licence-exempt bands. The amendment to the Wireless Telegraphy (Mobile Repeater) (Exemption) Regulations 2018 will come into force on 27 January 2020. For more information, open a new tab here
28 October 2019
Ofcom announces that it plans to auction additional spectrum for mobile
broadband and 5G services in spring 2020. The plan is to release 80 MHz
of bandwidth in the 700 MHz band, and 120 MHz in the 3·6–3·8 GHz band. For more information,
open a new tab here
30 August 2019
The number of telephone numbers available to service the London area
will increase to 40 million as
Ofcom announces a new '(020) 4' range. Ofcom wil start accepting
applications for numbers in this new range on 1 October, and it's expected
that the numbers will be allocated to users from December 2019. For more information,
open a new tab here
25 July 2019
Ofcom announces that it
is making available the 3·8–4·2 GHz, 1800 MHz
shared spectrum and
2300 MHz shared spectrum bands for new users. Two licences will be
available: low- and medium-power. Additionally, Ofcom is adding 'the
lower 26 GHz band' (24·25–26·5 GHz) to the spectrum sharing framework
for indoor use; this band is harmonised across Europe as the
millimetre wave band for 5G. For more information,
open a new tab here
1 July 2019
From today, UK mobile users can leave their network by sending a free,
simple text message:
Providers must, with their reply, include details of early-termination charges or PAYG balances.. The user passes the PAC or STAC to the new Provider who is required to complete the switch within one working day. For more information, open a new tab here
11 April 2019
Ofcom announces
three consultations:
1 April 2019
Ofcom announces
a price-cap on calls to 118 (Directory Enquiry) numbers of £3·65 per
90 seconds. For more information,
open a new tab here
4 February 2019
Ofcom decides that eligible claimants in the government-backed funding
scheme for PMSE users affected by the accelerated closure of access to
the 700 MHz band, will receive a 10% uplift on the payment received from
that scheme. For more information,
open a new tab here
5 January 2019
An
Ofcom study reveals that landline use is decreasing rapidly; from 103
billion minutes in 2012 to 54 billion minutes in 2017. During the same
period, mobile call use increased from 132 to 149 billion
minutes, and mobile data usage rocketed from 0·2 GBs to 1·9 GBs.
The research goes on the confirm that younger generations frequently
prefer to message their contacts, whilst older generations prefer to
talk. Also, that older generations like the use of area codes in
telephone numbers whilst younger users like the idea of a 'number for
life'. For more information,
open a new tab here
10 October 2018
In light of the increasing adoption of VoIP services,
Ofcom confirms its guidance to Communications Providers on how they
might ensure that their customers have uninterrupted access to the
Emergency Services. The four principles are:
For more information, open a new tab here
1 October 2018
Ofcom imposes a charge-cap on Communications Providers providing
personal and call-forwarding services in the '070' number range so that
the wholesale termination rate is to be the same as the mobile
termination rate. The charge-cap will take effect from 1 October 2019.
For more information,
open a new tab here
14 September 2018
Following an earlier request, Ofcom publishes technical advice to
Government on the options to improve mobile coverage:
For more information, open a new tab here
22 March 2018
Ofcom confirms its decision to allow the use of certain types of static
indoor and in-vehicle mobile phone repeaters without the need for a
licence. The licence exemption takes effect from 12 April 2018. One
important qualification is that the repeaters cannot support 4G only;
this is to ensure that 4G handsets that do not support 4G voice are able
to make emergency calls. For more information,
click here
9 November 2017
Ofcom consults on proposals to modify the National Telephone Numbering
Plan (NTNP) so that numbers beginning 071–075 inclusive and 077–079
inclusive are used solely for calls to non-fixed destinations. Whilst
much of the 07x number range is currently used to access mobile
handsets, some numbers are used to access non-mobile services, for
example, call forwarding and call conferencing services. If
the proposals are implemented (pencilled-in for 1 April 2018), it is
expected that such non-mobile services will need to migrate to other
number ranges (such as those beginning 03 and/or 08). For more information,
click here
6 July 2017
Ofcom announces its decision to exempt
Commercial Multi-User Gateways (COMUGs) from the requirement to be
licensed under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006. COMUGs are used to route calls from fixed lines directly to mobile
networks thereby reducing call costs.. Draft changes to the WT Act
regulations have been published and comments invited by 8 August 2017. For more information,
click here
16 December 2016
Ofcom announces a consultation on whether it is approrpriate to exempt
Commercial Multi-User Gateways (COMUGs) from the requirement to be
licensed under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006. COMUGs are typically
used by businesses to route calls from fixed lines directly to mobile
networks, thereby circumventing the fixed-line segment of a normal call
and reducing the call costs.. At present, COMUGs may only be used with
the grant of a licence from Ofcom. For more information,
click here
1 December 2016
Ofcom announces a consultation, as part of its review of the UK
Narrowband Market, that will consider the effectveness of competition in
five areas of wholesale fixed voice services: analogue, ISDN2 and ISDN30
exchange lines plus Call Origination and Termination. Ofcom is also to
investigate the Retail Market for standalone landline telephone services
where, despite reductions in wholesale costs, there have been
significant increases in retail prices. The consultation will close on
28 February 2017 and it is expected that the final conclusions will be
published in September 2017. For more information,
click here
18 October 2016
Ofcom announces that it intends to clear the '700MHz band' for mobile
data use on a national basis by Quarter 2 2020. This is some 18 months
earlier than previously proposed, and will involve changing the
frequencies of free-to-view DTT services operating in the '700MHz band'
as well as some temporary DTT services operating in the '600MHz band'.
Additionally, some PMSE (Programme-Making and Special Events) services
will no longer be able to use the '700MHz band' from 1 May 2020
It is proposed that the '700MHz band' will, following clearance, be split into 30MHz for uplink use, 30MHz for downlink traffic with a centre gap of 25MHz. Previously, use of the centre gap had not been determined however, Ofcom has now decided that this portion of spectrum will be given over for mobile data downlink use. For more detail, click here
27 May 2016
Ofcom announces that mobile users can, from today, send a text message
to opt out of unsolicited sales and marketing calls. The free
'text-to-register' service adds the user's mobile number to the database
held by the Telephone Preference Service (TPS). The service is accessed
by sending 'TPS' and the user's e-mail address to 78070; the TPS will
return a confirmation text. Thereafter, there should be a gradual
reduction in such calls within a few days, although it may take up to 28
days for the service to become fully effective. For more
detail,
click here
8 April 2016
Following a legal challenge, and subsequent appeal,
Ofcom amends the Wireless Telegraphy Regulations to lift the restiction
on the use of Commercial Single-User Gateways (COSUGs). The Amendment
Regulations will come into force on 28 April 2016. For more
detail,
click here
31 March 2016
Ofcom launches an online checker that allows users to enter a postcode
and view outdoor / indoor mobile coverage — for voice; 3G data; 4G
data — plus fixed broadband availability and average download
speeds. Ofcom also publishes a Smartphone Cities report showing the
voice and data performance of the four UK mobile network providers in
five UK cities. For more
detail,
click here
24 March 2016
Ofcom announces new legislation — Wireless Telegraphy (Control of
Interference from Apparatus) Regulations 2016, likely to come into
force on 18 April 2016 — that will bring the regulations
governing interference to wireless communications up-to-date. For
example, the current regulations cover interference caused by
fluorescent lighting, but not LED lighting. The new regulations apply to
any equipment or device regardless of its underlying technology. For more
detail,
click here
23 March 2016
Ofcom consults on proposed options for consumers wishing to switch
providers of mobile communications services. In Option 1, an Automated
PAC process would allow users to request a PAC via phone, SMS or online,
and to receive a PAC by return SMS. In Option 2, the user contacts
the new provider who provides a SMS (containing relevant information)
and the user gives their consent to proceed by replying to the SMS; the
Gaining Provider manages the whole switching process. There are further
proposals to address loss-of-service during switching, and to improve
coordination of the switching process and users' understanding. For more
detail,
click here
18 March 2016
Ofcom issues a document containing recommendations for enabling
consumers and businesses to benefit from the future use of mobile
repeaters, recognising that such devices could play an important role in
improving coverage within buildings and vehicles, and in remote rural
areas. The document includes outline requirements for future devices to
be granted licence-exempt status. To view the document,
click here
11 March 2016
In a follow-up to the November 2015 announcement that the 700 Mhz
band (currently used for DTT and PMSE) would be cleared for mobile data
use by end-2021,
Ofcom consults on proposals to bring forward this clearance, nationally,
to end-Q2 2020. The proposals include changing the frequencies of some
temporary DTT multiplexors and use of the 25 MHz 'centre-gap' (that
separates the paired-spectrum of the up- and down-links), possibly for
Supplemental Down-Link (SDL) use. For more detail,
click here
10 March 2016
Ofcom announces that licenced Audio PMSE users will be able to share the
960–1164 MHz
band with aeronautical navigation services. Licences are available
immediately. For more detail,
click here
30 September 2015
Ofcom expands its online business portal to include a 'jargon-buster'
and infographics showing the benefits of communications services. The
portal was launched last year to help SMEs choose / switch service
providers, navigate contracts and resolve complaints. To visit the
portal,
click here
12 June 2015
Ofcom decides that the three-digit number '105' is to be made
available for consumers in England, Scotland and Wales to contact the
new national power cut and electricity network safety service. This in
response to a request from the Energy Network Association for a service
to be launched in April 2016. For further detail,
click here
15 May 2015
Ofcom consults on competition in the leased lines market. Its proposals
include allowing access for leased lines providers to BT's optical fibre
network, and placing new minimum quality of service requirements on
Openreach. For further detail,
click here
5 April 2015
Ofcom publishes research about mobile broadband performance. Overall, in
the five areas tested, 4G performed better than 3G offering average
download speeds of 14·7Mb/s compared with 5·9Mb/s. Other
key performance measures were web browsing speed, upload speed and
latency. For further detail,
click here
and
here
2 February 2015
Following the agreement of the UK's four Mobile
Network Operators (MNOs) to improve the geographical coverage in the
900 MHz and 1800 MHz bands for voice calls to 90% by 31 December
2017, Ofcom has varied their licences and published details of a Notice of Compliance Methodology. For further detail,
click here
19 January 2015
Ofcom consults on delaying the introduction of new
rules regarding non-geographic telephone numbers — see item dated 12
December 2013 below — to 1 July 2015 (from 26 June 2015). For further detail,
click here
11 December 2014
Ofcom confirms to Communications Providers, via a
statement, that revenue-sharing with callers to 03 numbers is not
permitted. For further detail,
click here
19 November 2014
Ofcom confirms its decision to make the 700 MHz
band available for mobile use from 2022. The current users of the band
are DTT (Digital Terrestrial Television) and PMSE (Programme-Making and
Special Events) services. DTT viewers will not need to take any action
before 2019, and most will only need to re-tune their televisions. For further detail,
click here
7 November 2014
Ofcom consults on
the auction of 190MHz of spectrum in the 2.3 GHz and 3.4 GHz bands. For further detail,
click here
16 October 2014
Ofcom issues revised guidance to Communications Providers on how they might
meet the regulatory obligations regarding the service charges for calls
to certain non-geographic numbers. For further detail,
click here
6 October 2014
Ofcom publishes a new consumer guide to Text Relay
services -- services for people with hearing or speech impairments that
enable them to communicate with others via telephone -- that
includes details of Next Generation Text Relay. The improvements include
more fluent conversations (including the ability to interject), mobile
Text Relay (using smartphones, tablets, laptops) and new numbers that
route directly via the service. For the news release,
click here
16 September 2014
Ofcom announces a campaign -- entitled 'UK
Calling' to inform users of the changes occurring in the summer
of 2015, i.e, clearer charges for calls to 084, 087, 09 and 118 numbers
and free calls from mobiles to 080 Freephone numbers. For the
news release,
click here
and for the UK Calling web site,
click here
10 July 2014
From the introduction of 03 numbers in 2007, revenue-sharing with
end-users was not permitted. Ofcom however has become aware of telephony
services that offer financial or other benefits to customers for calling
their 03 numbers. Ofcom proposes to confirm that revenue-sharing with
callers is not permitted on the 03 telephone number range. For further detail,
click here
8 July 2014
Following an earlier
consultation, Ofcom issues a statement regarding the management of
geographic telephone numbers in Northern Ireland.
Ofcom has a) decided to allocate 028 numbers in blocks of 1,000 to
Communications Providers (instead of 10,000), and b) assign an
additional number range to Belfast (i.e, 028 96) and to Derry /
Londonderry (i.e, 028 72). For further detail,
click here
19 December 2013
Ofcom consults on
measures that require Openreach to
a) repair faults on telephone and broadband services within two working
days, and b) provide an appointment to the large majority of those
requiring a new line within twelve working days. The new requirements
must be met completely from April 2016; interim requirements will apply
before this date. For further detail,
click here
12 December 2013
Ofcom has decided a) that
a maximum retail price of zero pence shall apply to callers dialling
numbers beginning 080 and 116, and b) to introduce an unbundled tariff
for calls by consumers to numbers beginning 084, 087, 09 and 118.
The price for calling the latter set of numbers will comprise an Access
charge (applied by the consumer's CP) and a Service Charge) applied by
the Service Provider and its CP. It is proposed to introduce the new
arrangements from 26 June 2015. For the Statement,
click here
7 November 2013
Ofcom has published the
outcome of an assessment of 3G coverage provided
by the UK Mobile Network Operators. Ofcom has determined that EE, Three
and O2 have all met the obligation to provide 3G coverage to 90% of the
UK population but that Vodafone fell 1.4% short. For the Statement,
click here
23 October 2013
Ofcom has decided that
consumers and small businesses should be allowed to exit a fixed-term
contract without penalty
where their Communications Provider (CP) increases the cost of the
monthly subscription price deal. Ofcom's statement includes guidance to
CPs that consumers should be given at least 30 days' notice of any such
price increase, and that changes to contract terms, pricing or
otherwise, must be communicated clearly and transparently. The guidance
will take effect from 23 January 2014 and will apply to new landline,
broadband and mobile contracts entered into after this date. For the
Statement,
click here
9 October 2013
Ofcom has issued a
statement about changes in the way local numbers are dialled within the
area codes of Aberdeen (01224), Bradford (01274), Brighton (01273),
Middlesbrough (01642) and Milton Keynes (01908). From 1 October 2014,
callers using a landline in any of the five areas will need to dial the
full national number when dialling other numbers within the same area
code. For more information,
click here
9 July 2013
Ofcom has decided to
allow mobile phone operators to use their existing 2G and 3G spectrum
allocations (900 / 1800 / 2100 MHz) for 4G (LTE and WiMAX) without
having to submit future regulatory applications. Additionally, the
maximum permitted power in the 900 MHz licences for UMTS (3G) and 4G
technologies has been increased by 3dB. For
more information,
click here
20 May 2013
Ofcom publishes an
independent report by Goode Intelligence on the security of smartphone
operating systems. The report identifies the key threats and issues, and
includes recommendations. For
more information,
click here
15 April 2013
Ofcom consults on
simplifying the costs of telephone calls to UK non-geographic numbers. The proposals include
a) free calls from all fixed and mobile phones to 080 and 116 numbers,
b) the cost of calls to 03 numbers to be linked to the cost of calls to
01 and 02 numbers and c) a new structure for calls to most
non-geographic numbers whereby call costs will comprise an access charge
(payable to the caller's phone company) and a service charge (payable to
the called party). It is unlikely that most of the changes will be
introduced before the 2015. For
more information,
click here
14 February 2013
Ofcom consults on changes
to the Metering and Billing Direction. The proposals include removal of
the accuracy and tolerance limits for services provided to large
businesses with an annual telecoms spend of more than £50k. For
more information,
click here
1 February 2013
Ofcom consults on 1)
allowing 4G services to operate in the 900MHz and 2100MHz frequency
bands (restricted to 2G / 3G use), 2) allowing an increase in the
maximum power transmitted by UMTS and 4G technologies in the 900MHz band
and 3) removing the requirement to provide, in the 2100MHz band,
coverage for 80% of the UK population as this will shortly be superseded
by a general requirement to provide 90% coverage using any available
bands. For
more information,
click here
20 December 2012
Ofcom has announced the
bidders for the 4G mobile auction that is scheduled to start in January
2013: Everything Everywhere, HKT (part of PCCW), Hutchison 3G, MLL
Telecom, Niche Spectrum Ventures (part of BT Group), Telefonica and
Vodafone. The bidders will compete for allocations in two frequency
bands: 800MHz and 2.6GHz; together, these bands will increase the total
spectrum available to mobiles by around 75%. For
more information,
click here
17 October 2012
Ofcom requires all
landline and mobile telephone providers to make an improved 'text relay'
service available within 18 months to all those that require it. A
review launched by Ofcom had shown that many users are frustrated by an
inability to interrupt, to hold real-time conversations and to express
and detect emotion. The improvements to be offered by the new service
include parallel two-way speech, a wider range of equipment and easier
use whilst users are on the move. For
more information,
click here
18 July 2012
Ofcom announces a pilot
scheme to introduce charging to CPs for geographic numbers in the thirty
UK area codes with the fewest number blocks remaining available for
allocation; the pilot scheme will start on 1 April 2013. Additionally,
for the eleven 5-digit area codes, one hundred blocks of 100-numbers
will be made available for allocation to CPs from the current available
capacity. For
more information,
click here
4 April 2012
Ofcom consults over
proposals to simplify certain calls charges. The proposals include
making calls to 080 and 116 numbers free from all phones (including from
mobiles), making 03 numbers the only non-geographic numbers where prices
are linked to those for calls to geographic numbers and providing a
standardised structure for 08, 09 and 118 revenue-sharing numbers. For
the last of these, it is proposed to split the call charge into two
parts -- a service charge (made by the end service provider) and an
access charge (made by the user's telecoms provider). For
more information,
click here
28 March 2012
The European Parliament
agrees a preliminary deal to reduce roaming charges for mobile users
from 1 July 2012 with further reductions occurring on 1 July in 2013 and
2014. The deal affects both retail and inter-operator wholesale charges
for incoming and outgoing voice calls and SMSs; a price cap on retail
charges for Data is also to be introduced.
Also, from 1 July 2014, users will be able to sign up for a separate roaming contract (either in advance or on-the-spot) which can be with a different operator to that used in the home country. For more information, click here.
12 March 2012
Ofcom publishes a
draft statement relating to the control of BT's wholesale charges for
ISDN Primary Rate (ISDN30) services, concluding that a charge control of
RPI-13.75% should apply to the main basket of rental and connection
services (with safeguard caps of RPI+5% on average connection price and
RPI% on each enhanced care service). Also, that a control of RPI% should
apply to ISDN transfer charges (per access bearer) and to individual DDI
charges (planning, connection and rental).
The draft statement includes a forecast of 2.3m ISDN30 retail channels in 2013/14 (a 19% decrease from the 2.9m channels at June 2010). For more information, click here.
20 January 2012
The ITU's
Radiocommunications Assembly concludes RA-12 with agreement on the
specifications of IMT Advanced — the next generation for global
wireless broadband communications. The Assembly also agreed to defer
development of a continuous time standard in order to address the
concerns of those countries using the leap second in Coordinated
Universal Time (UTC). For more information,
click here.
19 December 2011
Ofcom publishes a
statement that Communications Providers should provide battery back-up
with a duration of at least one hour for Publicly Available Telephone
Services (PATS) delivered over Fibre-To-The-Premises (FTTP)
technologies. For more information,
click here.
13 September 2011
Ofcom confirms that the
sale of new Automatically Renewable Contracts, or rollover contracts,
will be banned from 31 December 2011 for residential and small business
(ten employees or less) customers. ARCs are where, at the end of the
Minimum Contract Period (MCP), the contract automatically rolls over to
a new MCP unless the customer informs the Communications Provider that
this shouldn't happen. Within the MCP, Early Termination Charges usually
apply. For more information,
click here.
7 September 2011
Ofcom announces its
decisions on making new geographic numbers available in areas where such
numbers are becoming or are likely to become scarce -- potentially, 25
four-digit area codes could run out of numbers to allocate to
Communications Providers by 2021. One measure is to remove the facility
for consumers to dial a local number without using an area code. A
second measure is to introduce a second (overlay) area code in those
areas where the first measure alone is inadequate. Ofcom is to also
consult on a third measure where, for those areas using a five-digit
area code, only 100-number blocks will be allocated to CPs. Finally,
Ofcom is to proceed with a pilot scheme whereby Communications Providers
will be charged for number blocks in certain affected areas, although it
will first consult on the applicable criteria and the charging
arrangements. Number availability should also be improved as CPs
surrender unused number blocks and Ofcom revises its administrative
processes For more information,
click here.
6 September 2011
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator reports, in the August Update, 7.63
million unbundled lines in the UK, 6.38 million WLR (Wholesale Line
Rental) lines and 2.79 million telephone numbers using CPS (Carrier
Pre-Selection). For more information,
click here.
6 September 2011
Ofcom publishes the
results of research
into different ways of presenting call charge information for
non-geographic numbers to consumers -- the strongest finding is that any
price information (even if incomplete) available at the time a call is
made is helpful. This research is part of Ofcom's consultation on
simplifying non-geographic numbers -- the next phase of consultation is
expected early in 2012. For more information,
click here.
30 June 2011
With effect from 1 July,
mobile operators in the EU will be required to charge no more for
outgoing and incoming roaming calls within the EU than 35cpm and 11cpm
respectively. This order is valid until 30 June 2012 although the
long-term aim is that, by 2015, there will be no difference between
national and EU-roaming tariffs. From the same date, the roaming data
wholesale charges will be capped at 50c per Megabyte. For more information,
click here.
3 May 2011
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator reports, in the April Update, 7.62
million unbundled lines in the UK, 6.14 million WLR (Wholesale Line
Rental) lines and 2.94 million telephone numbers using CPS (Carrier
Pre-Selection). For more information,
click here.
13 April 2011
The Internet Telephony
Service Providers Association (ITSPA) launches a Best Current Practice (BCP)
document regarding the secure deployment of IP PBXs. Quoting the ITSPA News
Release "...as the industry has grown, the targeting of VoIP installations
by fraudulent operations has also advanced". For more information,
click here.
24 February 2011
Ofcom consults on changes
to the General Conditions and Universal Service Conditions that need to be
made by 25 May 2011 in order to implement the revised EU electronic
communications framework. The changes include a maximum duration for initial
customer contracts of two years, and requirements to provide SMS access to
the emergency services (to offer equivalent access for disabled people) and number-porting within one working day. For more information,
click here.
1 February 2011
Ofcom warns the industry
as new rules come into force regarding abandoned and 'silent' calls. For more information,
click here.
5 October 2010
Two UK mobile networks,
Orange and T-Mobile, introduce a roaming service between their networks in
the UK. Users opt-in to the service; Orange users can sign-up
here, and T-Mobile users
sign-up here.
The Office of the Telecommunications Adjudicator reports, in the
September Update, 7.14 million unbundled lines in the UK, 6.13
million WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) lines and 3.2 million telephone numbers using CPS
(Carrier Pre-Selection). For more information,
click here.
16 July 2010
The GSM Association announces
that the number of global mobile connections exceeds 5 billion, some 18
months after the 4 billion mark was reached. The highest penetrated region
is Western Europe at 130%, and the lowest is Africa at 52%. Data connections
have played a significant part in the growth with 287 million HSPA
connections across 127 countries. Currently, there are 162 HSPA, 52 HSPA+
and 2 LTE live networks; a further 113 LTE network are planned. For more information,
click here.
8 July 2010
Ofcom announces, with
effect from 11 April 2011, that consumers will be able to transfer their
mobile number to a new provider within one working day rather than the
present two days. At the same time, networks are required to issue PACs
(Porting Authorisations Codes) either immediately by phone or within two
hours by text. For more information,
click here.
8 April 2010
Ofcom increases, with
immediate effect, the number of geographic telephone area codes subject to
conservation status by 336. Conservation status is applied where Ofcom feels
there is a reasonable expectation of number exhaustion within the next five
years. As a result of Ofcom's decision, all UK area codes of the form
'01xxx' (except 01481 and 01534) are now subject to conservation measures,
and new numbers will be allocated to CPs in 1000-number blocks. For more information,
click here.
1 April 2010
Ofcom consults on the
Mobile Termination Rates that will apply from 1 April 2011 until 31 March
2015. Ofcom is proposing a glide path in which these rates fall from the
current 4.3ppm (4.6ppm for H3G) to 0.5ppm. For more information,
click here.
Ofcom consults on changes to the Mobile Number Portability arrangements. It proposes that communications providers accept PAC requests over the phone and that for such requests, the PAC is given there-and-then or within two hours. Also, that the number port time be reduced from two business days to one. For more information, click here.
28 January 2010
18 December 2009
Ofcom confirms that a new
telephone number - 111 - is to be allocated to the NHS for use as a
non-emergency healthcare service in England. The service will provide
callers with information and advice on non-emergency health matters, and
services available in their local area. For more information,
click here.
28 October 2009
Ofcom confirms the
organisations that will operate three of the pan-European 116 helpline phone
numbers in the UK: Missing People - 116 000 (a missing children helpline),
NSPCC - 116 111 - its ChildLine service and Samaritans - 116 123 - its
emotional support helpline. For more information,
click here.
15 October 2009
Ofcom announces that
mobile phones in the UK will switch automatically to an alternative network
for calls to the emergency numbers 999 and 112 when the 'home' network is
unavailable. Ofcom notes that the technical solution adopted to support
roaming between networks (Limited Service State) has disadvantages -
location information is less accurate than for calls via the 'home' network
and return calls are not supported - but the benefits (easy-to-implement,
less costly and quicker to implement) are significant. The mobile phone originating
the call to emergency numbers must contain a SIM card. For more information,
click here.
15 September 2009
Ofcom decides to
deregulate BT's retail products where it has found healthy competition, i.e,
fixed narrowband analogue exchange lines for business and consumers, fixed
narrowband calls for business and consumers. BT's ISDN2 retail product has
also been deregulated although a decision on the ISDN30
product has been postponed until further evidence has been considered by
Ofcom. For more information,
click here.
11 August 2009
The OTA reports, in the
July Update, 6.01 million unbundled lines in the UK, some 6.09
million WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) lines and 3.9 million telephone numbers using CPS
(Carrier Pre-Selection). For more information,
click here.
3 August 2009
Ofcom 's consults on
changes to the mobile number portability process and the associated routing
arrangements.
For more information,
click here.
and
click here.
1 August 2009
Ofcom 's changes in the
regulation of 0870 numbers come into effect. For more information, see entry
for 23 April.
1 July 2009
Charge ceilings are
introduced for calls, texts and data whilst users are roaming within the EU.
Ceilings for outgoing calls are €0.39 per minute
until 30 June 2011, and €0.35 per minute
thereafter. The ceilings for incoming calls are €0.15
per minute and €0.11 per minute
respectively. For more information,
click here.
23 April 2009
Ofcom issues a statement
about changes in the regulation of 0870 numbers. Communications providers
are to be encouraged to stop charging higher rates for calls to 0870 numbers
than for calls to geographic (01/02/03) numbers, and to include calls to
0870 numbers on the same basis as calls to geographic numbers in
calls-inclusive packages. For those CPs that choose to continue charging at
higher rates, the proposal to require a free-of-charge announcement at the
start of such calls has been dropped, but there are strict rules about the
prominence and content of publicity for services provided via 0870 numbers.
The new regulations will come into effect on 1 August 2009. For more information,
click here.
20 February 2009
The European Commission
intends that certain social value services shall be available via the same
memorable telephone numbers in all Member States. The reserved number range
is 116nnn, and the first three numbers are 116000 (hotline for missing
children), 116111 (child helpline) and 116123 (emotional support helpline).
Ofcom confirms that these three numbers will be introduced in the UK, that
all three will be free-of-charge to the caller, and that it is beginning the
process to select the service providers for each number. For more information,
click here.
16 February 2009
Ofcom announces that all
3G licence holders have met the obligation to provide coverage to 80% of the
UK population by end-2008, and that it expects this level of coverage to be
maintained in the future. For more information,
click here.
6 February 2009
The OTA reports, in the
September Update, 5.60 million unbundled lines in the UK, some 5.41
million WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) lines and 4.13 million telephone numbers using CPS
(Carrier Pre-Selection). For more information,
click here.
2 February 2009
Ofcom confirms that, from
1 August 2009, regulation of Premium Rate Services (PRS) will be extended to
include all numbers starting 087 (except those starting 0870) where the
charge is greater than 5p per minute for BT customers. These number will
then fall within the remit of the PRS regulator, PhonepayPlus. For more information,
click here.
3 October 2008
The OTA reports, in the
January Update, 5.032 million unbundled lines in the UK, some 5.08
million WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) lines and 4.85 million telephone numbers using CPS
(Carrier Pre-Selection). For more information,
click here.
17 April 2008
In response to the
continuing demand for geographic telephone numbers, Ofcom consults on giving
number conservation status to an additional 96 geographic area code;
conservation status has already been given to 169 geographic area codes. In
a number conservation area, numbers are allocated to Communications
Providers in 1000-number blocks, rather than the 10000-number blocks used
elsewhere. For more information,
click here.
7 March 2008
The OTA reports, in the
February Update, 4.086 million unbundled lines in the UK, some 4.62
million WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) lines and 5.89 million telephone numbers using CPS
(Carrier Pre-Selection). For more information,
click here.
3 March 2008
Ofcom announces that the
Sitefinder database is being updated once again, via three-monthly updates
from 3, O2, Orange, Vodafone, Airwave and Network Rail (T-Mobile has not
provided updates since August 2005). Sitefinder results from one of the
recommendations of the 2000 Stewart report. For more information,
click here.
05 December 2007
Ofcom announces that VoIP
providers offering outbound call services to UK national numbers must, by 8
September 2008, also provide outbound call services to 999 / 112 services.
For such calls, providers must meet the requirements to include caller
location information to the emergency organisations handling the calls. The
requirement to support calls to 999 / 112 does not apply to 'Click-to-Call'
services, or to those VoIP providers offering outbound call services to
international numbers only. For more information,
click here.
13 November 2007
The European Commission
proposes reform in the telecoms market. The main aims are that those in EU
countries will benefit from better and cheaper services through increased
competition, from investment in new technologies and from improved
reliability and security of communications networks. For more information,
click here.
Ofcom announces that it has allocated 13 million 03 numbers to more than 80 communications providers, and that it has adopted 03 numbers for its own use. For more information, click here.
12 November 2007
Ofcom announces that it
will open up two more premium-rate number ranges; 0902 and 0903. The 0902
range will supplement the existing 0900 & 0901 Special Services number
ranges; calls up to 60ppm with a total cost of no more than £5 or a fixed
fee of £1 per call. The 0903 range will supplement the existing 0904, 0905,
0906 & 0911 Special Services ranges; calls with open-ended time-related
charging or a fixed fee up to £1.50. For more information,
click here.
2 November 2007
The OTA reports, in the
October Update, 3.363 million unbundled lines in the UK, some 5.05
million WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) lines and 5.78 million telephone numbers using CPS
(Carrier Pre-Selection). For more information,
click here.
18 October 2007
Ofcom consults (until 30
November) on the authorisation and technical management regime for MCA
(Mobile Communications on Aircraft) on UK-registered aircraft.
The current proposals cover the GSM 1800 MHz band only and include: the MCA radio equipment to be licensed with licences issued on request via the CAA; adherence to EU standards; and the allocation of non-geographic International Mobile Network Codes. For more information, click here.
5 October 2007
The OTA reports, in the
September Update, 3.195 million unbundled lines in the UK, some 4.36
million WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) lines and 5.81 million telephone numbers using CPS
(Carrier Pre-Selection). For more information,
click here.
26 July 2007
Ofcom consults on whether
Type 2 (outgoing calls to the PSTN) and Type 4 (incoming and outgoing calls
to the PSTN) VoIP providers should be required to support calls to the
emergency services via the 999 and 112 numbers. For more information,
click here.
17 July 2007
Ofcom announces that,
from 31 March 2008, the lead time for porting a mobile number will reduce
from its present five working days to two working days. Further, Ofcom consults on
proposals that:
For more information, click here.
8 June 2007
The OTA reports, in the
May Update, more than 2.25 million unbundled lines in the UK, some 4.2
million WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) lines and 6.2 million numbers using CPS
(Carrier Pre-Selection). For more information,
click here.
31 May 2007
Ofcom announces that, for
calls to 03 numbers:
These requirements will apply for calls from all types of lines, including mobiles and payphones. Ofcom has also announced that providers must, from 1 September 2007, include a free pre-call announcement about call costs on calls to 070 numbers costing more than 20 pence per minute or per call For more information about these two changes, click here.
29 May 2007
Ofcom confirms removal of the requirement on BT Group plc to publish its
charges and terms & conditions for certain business services, where the
spend on BT communications services exceeds £1m per annum. This follows an
earlier requirement on BT to deliver certain specific product development
targets for WLR in support of business retail services. For more
information,
click here
28 May 2007
Ofcom announces that the rules about mis-selling of fixed-line services of
fixed line services (including 'slamming') will continue, and be extended to
include providers of voice and broadband services using full LLU technology.
For more information,
click here
4 May 2007
The OTA reports, in the
April Update, more than two million unbundled lines in the UK, some 4.2
million WLR (Wholesale Line Rental) lines and 6.2 million numbers using CPS
(Carrier Pre-Selection). Plus, the OTA2 scheme is now in operation. For more information,
click here.
13 April 2007
The OTA announces nearly
two million unbundled lines in the UK in the March Update, and the
introduction of the OTA2 scheme. The new scheme expands the scope of the OTA
to include Local Loop Unbundling (including sub-loop unbundling); Backhaul
Extension Service and Wholesale Extension Backhaul; Whole Line
Rental/Carrier Pre-selection; Geographic Number Portability and broadband
where migration impacts may occur. For more information,
click here.
29 March 2007
Ofcom announces a new
Code of Practice for providers of Voice-over-IP (VoIP) services, ensuring
that users will have access to information about the capabilities of their
service. Providers must comply with the Code by 29 May 2007. Ofcom has also,
with immediate effect, modified the definition of PATS (Publicly Available
Telephone Service ) so that only those services providing calls to/from
national and international destinations and access to emergency services
through a normal telephone number have a right to number portability (with
the exception of incoming-only services). For more information,
click here.
27 March 2007
Ofcom announces new
charge controls that limit the amount that UK MNOs (O2, Orange, H3G,
T-Mobile, Vodafone) charge other telephone
companies for terminating voice calls on their mobile networks. The controls
will result in reductions (phased over four years) in wholesale termination
charges. For the first time, Hutchison and other 3G operators will be
subject to voice call termination charge controls. Ofcom forecasts a reduction in
wholesale charges of about £500 million over the four-year period, and
expects savings to be passed on to retail customers. For more information,
click here.
9 March 2007
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than one million
seven-hundred thousand unbundled
lines in the UK. To see the OTA's February update,
click here.
8 March 2007
Ofcom confirms that all sexual entertainment services (SES) currently using
chargeable 08 numbers must be offered on 09 premium rate telephone numbers,
and therefore must be subject to regulation by ICSTIS. For more information,
click here
6 March 2007
Ofcom consults on telephone number conservation measures (by reducing the
size of the number block allocated to Communications Providers) in 59
geographic area codes. Ofcom also proposes additional 08 number ranges; 0843
(to supplement 0844) and 0872 and 0873 (to supplement 0871). Finally, Ofcom
confirms additional number ranges for Belfast (028 95), Portsmouth (023 93)
and Southampton (023 81). For more information,
click here
1 March 2007
Ofcom publishes a draft decision to relax regulation in the large business
fixed-line telecoms market, proposing that BT be allowed to offer, to large
business customers, bespoke pricing for exchange line services where the
annual spend is greater than £1million. For more information,
click here.
13 February 2007
Ofcom confirms that the cost of calls to the new 03 number range will be the
same as calls to existing geographic numbers (01 and 02), and will be
included in any inclusive minutes or discount schemes. Revenue-sharing will
not be permitted. Ofcom intends that the cost of calling 03 numbers will be
the same from all line types, e.g, fixed lines, mobiles and payphones, and
is currently consulting on this aspect.
Ofcom s also consulting on a proposal that if a call to a 070 number is to
cost more than 20p (per minute or per call), customers will receive a
free-to-caller pre-call announcement about the charge involved.
For more information,
click here
2 February 2007
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than one million
five-hundred thousand unbundled
lines in the UK. To see the OTA's
January update,
click here
28 November 2006
BT transfers the first telephone
lines (at Wick near Cardiff) to its Next Generation Network, 21CN. For more information,
click here
3 November 2006
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports nearly one million unbundled
lines in the UK. To see the OTA's October update,
click here.
6 October 2006
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than 850,000 unbundled
lines in the UK. To see the OTA's September update,
click here.
26 September 2006
Ofcom announces its decision to add
071–075 to the National Telephone Numbering Plan, to designate these numbers
for mobile services and to open 075 for allocation
to communications providers.
For further details,
click here.
13 September 2006
Ofcom announces continued
regulation of the wholesale mobile voice
call termination charges when the current controls expire in March 2007, and
proposes reductions in those charges.
For further details,
click here.
Ofcom announces that it will be carrying out a review of the wholesale SMS termination market (which allows users to send text messages between networks) in 2007. For further details, click here.
1 September 2006
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than 735,000 unbundled
lines in the UK. To see the OTA's
August update,
click here.
17 August 2006
Ofcom publishes proposals for new
regulations that would
require broadband service providers to supply customers with a Migration
Authorisation Code on request (a MAC is required to switch broadband
providers) and to comply with a specified process. For more information,
click here.
4 August 2006
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than 673,000 unbundled
lines in the UK. To see the OTA's July update,
click here.
28 July 2006
Ofcom publishes its methodology
for checking whether the five 3G licensees meet their roll-out obligations (each
is required to cover 80% of the UK population by 31 December 2007). For more information,
click here.
27 July 2006
Ofcom announces TopComm, a scheme
to enable consumers to compare Performance Indicators (e.g, service
provision/restoration, faults, billing accuracy) amongst UK fixed-line
telecom providers.
TopComm operates a web site — to visit it,
click here.
19 July 2006
Ofcom announces that, from 1
August, the controls that limited the prices charged to BT customers for
line rental and calls will be removed. Ofcom states that increased
competition (nearly 11 million residential and small business customers now
use providers other than BT for calls), falling telecom costs and future
developments all mean that controls are no longer necessary. For more information,
click here.
12 July 2006
The EU publishes proposals to cap
roaming charges for mobile calls made within EU countries. If the proposals
are given the go-ahead, new charges would come into effect by summer 2007. For more information,
click here.
7 July 2006
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than 500,000 unbundled
lines in the UK. To see the OTA's June update,
click here.
1 June 2006
BT increases the connection charge
for new business and residential analogue exchange lines to £106.37 exc VAT.
25 May 2006
Ofcom consults on the
conservation of telephone numbers in 27 geographic area codes, and
proposes that the size of number blocks allocated (to Communications
Providers in such areas) be reduced from ten thousand to one thousand. For more information,
click here
19 April 2006
Ofcom confirms that
providers will be required, for calls to 0870 numbers, to charge no more
than the rates for calls to geographic national numbers, e.g, 01 and 02
numbers, or, to provide a free-to-caller pre-announcement about the
applicable rates. Also, the responsibilities of the premium-rate regulator
ICSTIS are to be extended to include 0871 numbers. No firm date is set for
these changes but they are likely to take effect late-2007 or early-2008. For more information,
click here
12 April 2006
Ofcom publishes a
statement setting out the conditions that must be met by BT in order for
Ofcom to bring about deregulation in the large business fixed-line telecoms
market. For more information,
click here
10 April 2006
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than 360,000 unbundled
lines in the UK, and a throughput of lines unbundled of around 15,000
per week. To see the OTA's March
update,
click here.
Ofcom publishes a discussion paper following suggestions from stakeholders in the avionic and telecoms sectors that it review the licensing regime in order to permit mobile services on aircraft. For further details, click here
30 March 2006
Ofcom confirms
modifications to the Number Portability Condition and the National Telephone
Numbering Plan (published for consultation on 3 November 2005) to facilitate
inter-platform competition. To view the statement,
click here.
21 March 2006
Ofcom consults on
proposals to deregulate retail price controls on BT line rental and calls.
If implemented, all phone companies (including BT) could set their own
prices with effect from 1 August 2006. To view the news
release, click here.
8 March 2006
Following a Home Office request,
Ofcom announces a new non-emergency number, 101, to be rolled out to provide
nationwide coverage by 2008. Charges for calling this number have not yet
been confirmed but 10p per call is possible. To view the news
release, click here.
7 March 2006
Ofcom announces work to encourage
competitive Next Generation Networks (NGNs), including a new industry body,
NGN UK, to be launched later this month. To view the news
release, click here.
3 March 2006
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than 300,000 unbundled
lines in the UK, and that the throughput of lines unbundled now exceeds 15,000
per week. To see the OTA's February
update,
click here.
1
March 2006
Ofcom announces measures to strengthen
consumer protection against Silent and Abandoned calls. To view the news
release,
click here.
23
February 2006
Ofcom publishes its proposals for UK
Telephone Numbering, including using 03 numbers for wide area use (but
charged at geographic rates), opening up the 06 numbering range for
Personal Numbering services (currently on the 070 numbering range) and
simplifying the structure of the 08 and 09 numbering ranges. For
information about the consultation,
click here
and to view the news release,
click here.
22
February 2006
Ofcom sets out its approach to VoIP
services, proposes a code for VoIP service providers and updates its
consumer guidance to encourage SPs to offer emergency (112 and 999)
services. For information about the consultation,
click here
and to view the guidance document,
click here.
3
February 2006
The Office of the Telecommunications
Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than 250,000 unbundled lines in the UK, and
forecasts between 2 and 3 million by end-2006. Also, the weekly throughput
of unbundled lines exceeded 15,000 on two recent weeks. To see the OTA's
January update, click here.
24 January 2006
Further to proposals published in
November 2005, Ofcom confirms (wef 1 March 2006) reductions in the Wholesale Line Rental prices
to be paid by telephone companies. For more information,
click here.
Ofcom announces a preliminary assessment of the wholesale international roaming market in the UK. It also publishes a guide to using UK mobiles abroad — to view the document, click here.
13 January 2006
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than 210,000 unbundled
lines in the UK, a run rate of line orders at significantly more than 5,000 per
week, and a Right First Time KPI of 90%. To see the OTA's December
update,
click here.
16 December 2005
Following consultation (see
7 June news item) Ofcom concludes that
the current charge controls on wholesale mobile voice call termination on 2G
networks should be extended, unchanged at the current levels, to 31 March
2007. For more information,
click here.
9 December 2005
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than 163,000 unbundled
lines in the UK, a run rate of lines provisioned of more than 5,000 per
week, and a Right First Time KPI of 90%. To see the OTA's November
update,
click here.
Ofcom extends, to 22 December 2005, the deadline for responses to its consultation on number portability. For more detail, see the 3 November news item.
14 November 2005
Avaya announces 'end-of-sale' of
the INDeX Business Communication System from end-May 2006, and offers a
migration path to its other products. For those choosing not to migrate, INDeX technical support, parts and repairs will be available for an
additional three years from Avaya and its partners. For more information,
click here.
9 November 2005
Ofcom publishes proposals to
reduce charges for the Wholesale Line Rental product (currently offered by
BT Wholesale but, from January 2006, by BT Group's new business, openreach)
by 9% for residential analogue exchange lines and 8% for business analogue
exchange lines. Responses to the proposals required by 12 December. For more information,
click here.
4 November 2005
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports more than 140,000 unbundled
lines in the UK, and a run rate of lines provisioned of about 4,000 per
week. To see the OTA's October
update,
click here.
3 November 2005
Ofcom consults on proposals to encourage
the porting of telephone numbers between different platforms — current
arrangements support number portability between fixed networks and between
mobile networks, but not between the two. Ofcom also consults on removing
the requirement to comply with the Number Portability Functional
Specification.
Ofcom is seeking views by 15 December 2005. For more information,
click here.
31 October 2005
Ofcom consults on measures to reduce the
problems caused by silent calls.
The measures include requirements that auto-dialled calls made by call centres should include a recorded announcement and CLI information, and
that the total abandoned call rate should be less than 3%. Furthermore,
there should be no repeat
attempts to call a number within 72 hours unless a dedicated agent is available. Ofcom is seeking views by 9 January 2006. For more information,
click here.
27 October 2005
Ofcom consults on Home Office proposals
for a single non-emergency number.
The key proposals are a) to use '101' as the telephone number for
dialling the non-emergency service, and b) that calls to this number should cost the caller 10p per call. For more information,
click here.
26 October 2005
Ofcom consults on proposed
amendments to the guidelines for the acceptable use of 070 numbers. For
more information,
click here.
14 October 2005
The Office of the
Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports approximately 123,000 unbundled
lines and a run rate of lines provisioned of about 4,000 per week. To see the September update,
click here.
7 October 2005
Ofcom proposes approval of the
Wholesale Line Rental (WLR) product, allowing providers to re-sell BT
facilities and charge customers for calls and line rental via a single bill.
If approved, the new WLR product will be offered to providers, by BT
Openreach, from January 2006. The deadline for consultation responses is 8
November 2005. For more information,
click here.
28
September 2005
Ofcom consults on a different
approach to 0844/0845 and 0870/0871 numbers. The proposals include
re-classification of 0871 numbers as premium rate, and charging calls to
0870 numbers at the national geographic rate (or providing the caller with a
pre-announcement about charges). For more information,
click here.
7 September 2005
Ofcom publishes proposals on
allowing BT to offer bespoke pricing to large business customers (those
spending more than £1 million per year). Currently, BT must offer the same
line and call pricing to all large business customers. For more information,
click here.
31 August 2005
Ofcom publishes
its latest Communications Market Quarterly Update. The Telecoms highlights
are: total retail telecoms revenues for 12 months to March 2005 were £36.6
billion (+5% on previous 12 month period); mobile spend in Q1 2005 was £3·3
billion (+17% on the same quarter in 2004); more than 35% of UK fixed lines
are now connected to non-BT service providers. For more information,
click here.
18 August 2005
Ofcom publishes details of
the network charge controls for BT narrowband products and suggests that
telecommunications costs for UK businesses and consumers could be
potentially reduced by around £350–400m over the four-year period starting
1 October 2005. For more information,
click here.
6 August 2005
The Telegraph reports that
the Committee of Advertising Practice (CAP) has told advertisers that
newspaper, magazine and poster advertisements should make clear the real
cost of dialling 0845 / 0870 numbers. To see the article,
click here.
5 August 2005
The Office of the Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports
approximately 90,000 unbundled lines and a run rate of provisioned lines of
more than 3,500 per week. To
see the July update,
click here.
10 July 2005
According to an article at business.scotsman.com, Ian
Livingston (Chief Executive at BT Retail) calls for Ofcom to either sweep
0845 / 0870 numbers away or require operators to charge the same for calls
to these numbers as for calls to geographic local and national numbers. To
see the article,
click here.
6
July 2005
Ofcom publishes the first
Annual Report of its Advisory Committee on Older and Disabled People — the
Committee's role is to represent the interests of older and disabled people
on broadcasting, telecommunications and spectrum issues. For more
information,
click here.
27
June 2005
Ofcom
consults on proposals to approve an emergency amendment to
the ICSTIS Code of Practice. The amendment has been triggered by concerns
about problem services (e.g,
‘rogue’ internet diallers). For more information,
click here.
21
June 2005
Ofcom
publishes a policy statement on alternative solutions for UK number
portability. For more information,
click here.
7
June 2005
Ofcom consults on extending the existing
charge controls in the 2G mobile voice call termination market for a further
12 months to 31 March 2007.
For more information,
click here.
20 May 2005
Ofcom begins a public information campaign to raise awareness
of London (020) 3 numbers.
For more information,
click here.
10 May 2005
The Ofcom Consumer Panel publishes its research report 'Consumers and the
Communications market, where we are now'. For more information,
click here.
13 April 2005
Ofcom announces the introduction of mandatory
Codes of Practice for sales and marketing in fixed-line telecoms services to
address concerns about mis-selling and other abuses of marketing activity. To read the news release,
click here.
13 January 2005
Ofcom seeks
views on proposals to make a number of spectrum bands available to the
market, and outlines options for extending spectrum trading and
liberalisation to mobile phone services. To read the news release,
click here.
9 December 2004
Ofcom publishes its Review of regulation of premium rate
services, with recommendations for improving consumer protection. To read
the news release,
click
here.
24 November 2004
The Office of the Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA) reports on progress in local loop unbundling. For the
letter,
click here.
6 July 2004
Ofcom announces its
approach to the future development of broadband services in the UK, and
appoints a Telecoms Adjudicator. For the news release,
click here.
9 June 2004
BT announces
21CN network transformation timetable. Key stages are:
For the press releases, please click here. and click here.
1 June 2004
Ofcom announces its decision on wholesale termination charges for
fixed-to-2G mobile and mobile–2G mobile calls in the UK. In short, average
call termination charges must reduce by some 30% by March 2005 and remain at
that level until March 2006. For the press release,
click here.