News

Recent developments we wanted to share.

Consumer Forum for Communications up for review

Submitted by Katie Hanson on Fri, 27/06/2014 - 15:13
CFC.jpg

The Consumer Forum for Communications (CFC) promotes dialogue and information-sharing between consumer bodies and other relevant organisations about issues of common concern relating to communications policy and developments at UK, European and international level.

The Forum feeds into Ofcom’s policy priorities and thinking, and has a particular brief to ensure that the views and needs of consumers in vulnerable circumstances are represented in debate about communications issues. It has an independent chair, who is paid by Ofcom.

REVIEW

Views sought

Ofcom announces its priorities for the coming year

Submitted by James Stinson on Tue, 01/04/2014 - 09:48
ofcom_1243377c.jpg

OFCOM NEWS

Ofcom has published its 2014/15 Annual Plan, confirming its strategy and work programme for the next financial year. This work is designed to build on some significant developments in the UK’s communications infrastructure.

Network rollout

OFCOM NEWS

Patricia Hodgson named preferred candidate as next Ofcom Chairman

Submitted by James Stinson on Thu, 05/12/2013 - 15:09
Patricia

The Government has named Dame Patricia Hodgson as the preferred candidate as the next Chairman of Ofcom.

The Culture, Media and Sport Committee will hold a pre-appointment hearing with Dame Patricia on 17 December 2013.

As previously announced, current Ofcom Chairman Colette Bowe will step down at the end of March 2014 when her term ends.

Here's how the Guardian newspaper reported the story.

Preferred candidate to succeed Colette Bowe

ICO and Ofcom draw up joint action plan to tackle nuisance calls

Submitted by James Stinson on Mon, 05/08/2013 - 11:24
Nuissance

OFCOM NEWS

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and Ofcom have published a joint action plan to tackle the issue of nuisance calls and help protect consumers.

The ICO and Ofcom share responsibility for taking action against organisations that generate nuisance calls or messages.The ICO has lead responsibility for tackling those companies who make nuisance marketing calls or send unsolicited marketing text messages, while Ofcom uses its powers to deal with silent and abandoned calls.

COMMITMENT

"Only concerted, joint action can tackle the consumer menace of nuisance calls"

Two new members for Ofcom's Advisory Committee for Scotland

Submitted by James Stinson on Thu, 07/03/2013 - 17:05
Scotland flag

OFCOM NEWS

Two new members have been appointed to Ofcom’s Advisory Committee for Scotland.

Ofcom's Advisory Committees in each of the UK nations offer information and advice to Ofcom on aspects of its work, and of communications in general.

The full membership of each of the Advisory Committees represents a wide range of previous experience and skills.

The two new appointments to the Advisory Committee for Scotland (ACS) are:

Liz Leonard

OFCOM NEWS

UK’s broadband progress update

Submitted by James Stinson on Tue, 05/03/2013 - 11:35
fibre

OFCOM NEWS

Ofcom has today published a report for the Government on the coverage, take-up, usage, price and choice of fixed and mobile broadband services in the UK, relative to other European countries.

The ‘European Broadband Scorecard’ was proposed by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, to allow the Government to measure progress towards its ambition that the UK should have the best superfast broadband network of any major European country by 2015.

OFCOM NEWS

ParentPort helps parents keep children safe online

Submitted by James Stinson on Tue, 05/02/2013 - 17:13
safer internet day

The online media complaints portal –ParentPort– has launched a one-stop shop for parents to help them keep children safe when online, watching films and playing video games.

Despite a large volume of useful tips and online safety advice already being available online, this information is often fragmented and difficult to find.

OFCOM NEWS

Ofcom takes action on nuisance calls

Submitted by James Stinson on Wed, 09/01/2013 - 13:01
silent calls

OFCOM NEWS

Ofcom has announced a plan to tackle the growing problem of nuisance calls, which can cause considerable concern and annoyance for consumers.

The plan comes as Ofcom publishes its annual Consumer Experience Report, which tracks key trends in consumers’ use of communications services to inform Ofcom’s regulatory and consumer protection initiatives.

OFCOM NEWS

Ofcom aims to tackle mid-contract price rises

Submitted by James Stinson on Fri, 04/01/2013 - 16:11
Contract-headline[1].jpg

OFCOM NEWS

Ofcom wants new rules that will allow consumers to exit their mobile, landline, or broadband contract without penalty if their provider raises prices part way through its term.

The “exit without penalty” clause is the central proposal in a new consultation document, released this week, which aims to better protect consumers from mid-contract price rises.

OFCOM NEWS