Ofcom Announce Telecoms Regulation Changes

Communications regulator Ofcom announced a raft of changes to the regulation of the telecoms market, including the banning of three-year contracts for broadband and mobile phones. The maximum period will now be 24 months; a move which the regulator says will increase competition and benefit consumer choice. The rules also mean that 12 month contracts must be available as well.

Other measures announced include making sure that consumers can ‘port’ their phone numbers to new mobiles within one day, and rolling out a 999 text service. This scheme would allow customers with hearing and speech impediments to contact 999 by text in an emergency. The scheme already exists but on a voluntary basis; these new rules will compel all mobile operators to make the service available.

Ofcom Chief Executive, Ed Richards, said: “These changes to the regulations should make it easier for consumers to take advantage of the wide range of competition in the UK communications market. The emergency SMS scheme has proved very successful and is highly valued by hearing and speech-impaired people. It is right that this service should be made permanent in order to safeguard it for the people who depend on it.”