In its plan of work for 2021/2022, Ofcom outlined plans to develop a strategy for its approach to the mobile sector to support innovation and ensure that people across the United Kingdom get the connections that they need. Ofcom has now published the terms of reference for its upcoming mobile strategy review.(1)

The review will aim to ensure that the mobile market works well for people and businesses over the next five to 10 years. The review will consider how people's and businesses' use of mobile is likely to evolve, including what new uses might become possible due to changes in technology. It will cover how the value chain may change (both vertically and horizontally) and the potential impact of those changes. The review will consider whether there are any barriers to the market delivering good outcomes in the coming years and whether any existing regulations should be revised to help ensure the delivery of those outcomes.

The review will have at least two main phases. The first phase will focus on evidence gathering and understanding:

  • people's and businesses' use of mobile connectivity;
  • the impact that changes to the mobile value chain are having on the market; and
  • the extent to which the market is likely to deliver good outcomes.

The second phase will draw initial conclusions and set out any next steps.

Ofcom plans to publish a discussion paper on the review, which will invite stakeholders to submit their views by the end of 2021. Ofcom plans to publish its initial conclusions in Spring 2022.

Endnotes

(1) For further information please see the Ofcom website.