December 2021
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This conference was an opportunity to discuss priorities for network modernisation and ensuring competition in the sector, as well as the practical challenges of moving to an all IP-based landline system.
The discussion took place in the context of:
- regulatory changes outlined in Ofcom’s consultation on the Wholesale Voice Markets Review for 2021-26
- the Ofcom auction of the 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum and the continued development of 5G services
- planned upgrades to landline infrastructure, including the intended migration to an all IP-based system delivered over broadband
- the CMA giving final UK regulatory approval of the merger between Virgin and O2 following initial concerns over wholesale voice market competition
- Ofcom’s consultation on the future of telephone numbers as it reviews its National Telephone Numbering Plan
Sessions in the agenda looked at:
- the Wholesale Voice Markets Review:
- with a keynote contribution from Brian Potterill, Director, Mobile Network Strategy, Ofcom
- evaluating key stakeholder perspectives on competition, modernisation, and Ofcom’s National Telephone Numbering Plan
- consumers - assessing the impact of changing habits and the use of landline and mobile services, addressing the problem of scam calls, evaluating the termination rate cap, and ensuring the best deal for service users
- an all IP-based landline system - priorities for tackling the practical challenges for migration, infrastructure, regulation, and communication with consumers and business
The conference was an opportunity for stakeholders to consider the issues alongside key policy officials who attended from DCMS; the ICO; the National Cyber Security Centre; Ofcom; the Home Office; DIT; the Department for the Economy, NI; HMRC; the Government Legal Department; the UK Space Agency; and the Welsh Government - as well as parliamentary pass-holders from the House of Commons.
