Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum and postal services - Which? Response

Summary:

In today’s world, there is a growing need for consumers to be connected wherever they are, with increasing reliance on both broadband and mobile connectivity. However consumers’ ability to access the connectivity they need, and engage with the market, is often not as easy as it should be. 

We welcome the publication of this draft Strategic Statement of Priorities (SSP), which Ofcom must have regard to when exercising its regulatory functions. While we welcome the proposals we are concerned that these appear to be largely incremental and are not centred on what consumers need in terms of connectivity.

 It is essential that government and Ofcom’s policy priorities in this area are aligned to ensure there is a joined up approach to the key issues and a shared future vision for the sector. We believe that there needs to be an overarching vision and strategy for connectivity as a whole(i.e. for broadband and mobile), which is shared by Government, Ofcom and industry. The strategy must take full consideration of consumers’ needs and must be published and written in a clear and transparent way to enable stakeholders and consumers to easily understand it and judge the quality of the plans.