techUK‘s Antony Walker has welcomed Ofcom’s plan, announced yesterday, to conduct an overarching review of the UK’s digital communications market.
Walker, deputy CEO, said:
“The UK has a world class communications network, which is vital to supporting the growth of our digital economy. To maintain our leadership position, a supportive policy and regulatory environment is needed to encourage ongoing investment and innovation. That’s why we’re particularly pleased to see that Ofcom’s review will include ensuring the right incentives for investment.”
The review comes 10 years after the regulator last made significant changes to its rules, during which time average broadband speeds have risen more than twenty-fold and 4G spectrum licenses have been issued to offer high-speed mobile internet. Ofcom will look across coverage, choice, price and quality of service to ensure the market is working for everyone in the UK now and in the future.
Ernst & Young‘s lead telecoms, Adrian Baschnonga, emphasises the need to respond to the fast-changing market:
“Ofcom’s strategic review comes at a time when traditional distinctions between communications services are fading. The UK is ahead of many neighbouring markets when it comes to e-commerce take-up and superfast broadband coverage, and revisiting existing rules will play an important role in helping to maintain current growth rates. As such, a predictable and supportive regulatory environment that accommodates changing user needs, safeguards competitive dynamics and harnesses incentives for network investment, is vital for the industry’s long-term health.”