New security obligations on UK telecoms providers

On 17 November 2021, the Telecoms (Security) Act 2021, amending the Communications Act 2003, was enacted, with its provisions coming into force over time. The legislation: imposes new primary security obligations on communications providers; enables the UK to make the (currently draft) ‘Designated Vendor Direction’ in respect of Huawei; and will be further operationalised by …

Read more

Ofcom announces UK 5G 2021 spectrum auction results

On 27 April 2021, Ofcom announced the final results of the UK’s 2021 5G (700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz bands) spectrum auction. The auction raised £1.379 bn pounds, only slightly higher than the £1.1bn reserve price. Results At the end of the assignment stage (27 April 2021), Ofcom granted the following UK spectrum licences: EE …

Read more

UK Gigabit fibre access regulation and funding

Gigabit fibre to the home in the UK: Ofcom finalises regulatory framework and Government announces funding package for the “last 20%” On 18 March 2021, Ofcom published the outcome of its Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review (“WFTMR“). On 19 March 2021 the UK Government’s Department for Culture Media and Sport (“DCMS“) announced £5 billion of …

Read more