Ofcom updates wholesale rules to accelerate the full-fibre rollout

Telecoms regulator Ofcom has updated its wholesale rules with the aim of accelerating the full-fibre rollout.

Full-fibre broadband was a key pledge of Johnson’s government but, like most plans, was somewhat derailed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

With the UK’s successful vaccine rollout enabling a cautious roadmap to lifting lockdown restrictions, the focus is now shifting to how the country can “build back better” from a virus which dithering and chaotic policymaking...

18 March 2021 | Legislation & Government

UK completes 5G spectrum auction following two-month delay

British telecoms regulator Ofcom has completed its 5G spectrum auction following a two-month delay.

The spectrum auction was initially scheduled to take place in January but was pushed back amid another wave of COVID-19.

“The auction and subsequent release of spectrum remain central to the future rollout of mobile networks and 5G. The economy’s recovery from COVID-19 is dependent on resilient digital infrastructure and we urge Ofcom to resist any further requests for...

17 March 2021 | Legislation & Government

Eight 5G solution providers join Ofcom and Digital Catapult-led OpenRAN initiative

Eight 5G solution providers have joined an OpenRAN initiative led by UK telecoms regulator Ofcom and innovation centre Digital Catapult called SONIC.

The vendor-neutral and interoperable equipment OpenRAN delivers is seen as being the solution to disrupting the perceived monopoly held by the large telecoms vendors—helping to drive innovation, improve security, offer flexibility, and reduce deployment costs.

SONIC (SmartRAN Open Network Interoperability Centre) is a...

25 February 2021 | Legislation & Government

Ofcom revokes GCTN’s broadcast license and rejects transfer over CCP links

Ofcom has revoked the broadcast license of China Global Television Network (CGTN) and rejected its proposed transfer to a new entity over its links to the Chinese Communist Party (CCP).

CGTN is an English-speaking international satellite news channel and must conform to UK broadcasting laws to operate in the country.

Under British law, broadcast licensees must have full control over the service–-including editorial oversight over the programmes they show. Licensees...

5 February 2021 | Legislation & Government

Ofcom pushes back 5G spectrum auction due to COVID-19

British telecoms regulator Ofcom has pushed back its upcoming 5G spectrum auction due to COVID-19.

The latest spectrum auction was due to be held this month. However, with just a week left until the end of January, Ofcom issued the following statement this morning saying that it would be pushed back:

“Throughout our planning for the auction we have been closely monitoring the coronavirus situation.

Following a pause in the auction process, we are now planning for...

25 January 2021 | Legislation & Government

Connected Nations 2020: How networks handled an extra demanding year

Ofcom has released the 2020 edition of its Connected Nations report, providing insight into how networks handled an extra demanding year.

Whether it’s getting work done from home, or binging on Netflix. Checking in with phone calls to elderly relatives, or posting the latest TikTok trend video. Never has the connectivity we’re blessed with today been so appreciated.

Demands on fixed and mobile networks soared this year as a result of the pandemic. Ofcom notes that...

17 December 2020 | Legislation & Government

British mobile operators will be banned from selling locked phones

Telecoms regulator Ofcom has banned mobile operators from selling locked phones after December 2021.

Locking mobiles to specific networks often causes confusion for consumers and prevents them from switching at the end of their contracts.

Selina Chadha, Connectivity Director at Ofcom, said:

“We know that lots of people can be put off from switching because their handset is locked.

So we’re banning mobile companies from selling locked phones, which...

27 October 2020 | Legislation & Government