Nearly a year after it was first trialled, DSIT has published a consultation on its proposed Statement of Strategic Priorities (SSP) for the communications markets regulated by Ofcom – telecoms, radio and post.
In line with Government priorities, the consultation outlines how Ofcom is expected to have regard for and intentionally encourage economic growth when making regulatory decisions. Much of this is by encouraging Ofcom to “continue” with its current approach, including promoting investment and competition
Broadly, the most relevant Strategic Priorities for members are:
- Strategic Priority 1: Driving growth through world-class fixed and wireless digital infrastructure
Ensuring a healthy business connectivity market, with a focus on both urban and rural areas - Strategic priority 3: Supporting growth through a transparent, competitive, and fair retail market
This priority includes determining the costs and benefits of a telecoms Smart Data scheme; considering how they can best contribute to addressing digital exclusion; working with other sector regulators and Government to achieve a cross-sector method of identifying vulnerable consumers; and encouraging Ofcom to continue focusing on monitoring and evaluating consumer-focused interventions. - Strategic priority 4: Maximising opportunities for growth through secure and resilient telecoms infrastructure
This includes assessing the security practices of larger telecoms providers; providing annual security reports to the Government including updates on general network security/resilience; and continuing to provide resilience guidance, particularly regarding the implications of climate change for network planning and service reliability.
Priority 2 covers spectrum, for members that use wireless backhaul or fixed wireless access for VoIP services. The consultation closes on 18th September.
We can confirm that CCUK plans to respond to this consultation, we will share a proposed outline of our response with members soon, but please get in touch with any questions in the meantime.
The SSP will then be laid in Parliament for 40 days before being designated by the Secretary of State.