Regulating the telecoms sector - information about Ofcom's role

Ofcom is the communications regulator in UK

Ofcom is the communications regulator in UK. It regulates television as well as radio broadcasts, fixed line and mobile telecommunications, and the airwaves over which wireless devices operate.

The primary aim of Ofcom is to ensure that people in the UK get the best from their communications service providers. They also endeavour to protect customers from scams and sharp practices, while ensuring that competition can thrive.

The Communications Act 2003 governs Ofcom. It spells out in great detail exactly what Ofcom must do.

Ofcom's general duties involve furthering the interests of citizens and of consumers. All of Ofcom's activities are aimed at meeting these two duties. Ofcom is accountable to the Parliament, but it is independent of Government. Advising and setting the technical aspects of policy as well as implementing and enforcing the law are its main responsibilities. Since it has no political affiliation, its decisions and advice is not influenced by party politics. This helps Ofcom act solely in the interest of citizens and consumers.

Legal Duties of Ofcom

The legal duties of Ofcom are set out in the UK Communications Act 2003. Some of the duties are listed below.

* Ensure that UK has a wide range of electronic communications services, including high-speed information services;

* Provide a wide range of high-quality television and radio programmes that appeals to a range of tastes and interests;

* To ensure that television and radio services are provided by a range of different organisations;

* To ensure that people who watch television and listen to the radio are protected from harmful or offensive material;

* To ensure that people are protected from being treated unfairly in television and radio programmes, and from having their privacy invaded;

* To ensure that the radio spectrum is used in the most effective way.

Ofcom is funded by fees from the industry for regulating broadcasting and communications networks and grant-in-aid from the Government. It is sponsored by government departments such as the Department for Business and Regulatory Reform and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.

Ofcom ensures that charges for the land line, mobile and broadband services remain fair so that both customers as well as the business derive benefit out of it.

Telecommunication companies such as Numbertalk also come under the purview of rules and regulations set by Ofcom. Numbertalk offers telecom services in the form of 0800 numbers, 0844 numbers, 0845 numbers, 0871 numbers, 03 numbers, premium rate services, freephone numbers etc. To know more, vbisit the Numbertalk website.

Regulating the telecoms sector - information about Ofcom's role

By: Kieron James

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