Question to the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology:

To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, if she will make an assessment of the potential merits of (a) reviewing regulatory oversight of and (b) promoting good practice by the telecoms industry.

As the independent regulator for the telecoms industry, Ofcom plays an essential role in maintaining regulatory oversight, promoting best practice and liaising with government to provide the best outcomes possible for the consumer. The regulator undertakes regular reviews of regulation, and it concluded its Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review in 2021, setting out broadband regulation for the 2021-2026 period. It also assessed its approach to mobile markets in its Mobile Strategy Review in 2022.

The Government published its Statement of Strategic Priorities in 2019 to ensure Ofcom’s regulation is aligned with our objectives, including our commitments to world-class digital infrastructure, promoting competition, and to safeguarding the interests of telecoms consumers.

A consultation on ‘Strengthening economic regulation in the water, energy and telecoms sectors’ concluded in January this year and we are currently considering responses related to the telecoms sector.