Ofcom seeks public feedback on mobile issues

01 Sep 2008 08:34

The telecoms regulator has launched a consultation aimed at exploring how the mobile industry is serving the UK population

Telecoms regulator Ofcom has launched a consultation aimed at exploring how the mobile industry is serving UK citizens and consumers.

The consultation will also consider ways to extend the coverage of mobile networks — both to address 2G 'not spots' and to build out 3G coverage.

It will also look at issues such as the future of competition and how regulatory policy needs to evolve to keep pace with a fast changing market.

Significant market changes in recent years noted by Ofcom include the near ubiquitous penetration of mobiles (85 percent of the adult population in the UK owns a mobile); mobile comms becoming a "critical input' for business"; and the dramatic rise in demand for mobile broadband since 2007.

Ofcom is particularly keen to get feedback from members of the public — and has launched a blog, called Mobile citizens, mobile consumers, in the hopes of hearing "different points of view".

Writing on the blog, David Stewart of Ofcom, said: "We hope it can help inform people about the assessment [of the UK mobile sector] and how it's going — and give a wider group of people than we might otherwise reach a chance to understand what Ofcom's doing in this area, and debate the issues."

The number of mobile phone subscriptions in the UK exceeds 70 million — more than the country's 60 million population. But even if there are more phones than people, customer complaints are rising — another cause for concern for Ofcom, which said it is looking at how to ensure rules to protect consumers are clear, effective and relevant.

The consultation will run until 6 November and can be downloaded from the Ofcom website.

Story URL: http://news.zdnet.co.uk/communications/0,1000000085,39482889,00.htm