Articles: Ofcom

OFCOM

Ofcom, an independent regulator that is accountable to the UK Parliament, oversees the United Kingdom's communications industry (including television, radio, telecommunications, and wireless communications services).

The duties of Ofcom were established by the UK Communications Act 2003, and include ensuring that:

The radio spectrum is used effectively for wireless communications services.
UK residents have access to a range of electronic communications services.
Television and radio broadcasts are of high quality and appeal to a wide variety of interests.
Monopolies over television and radio services do not exist.
Harmful and offensive material is not broadcast through radio or television.
UK residents are treated fairly by the communications industry.

Ofcom Licenses all television and Radio Services

Ofcom licensing is not limited to analogue and digital terrestrial services. Instead, all UK television and radio services, including cable and satellite fall under Ofcom's licensing requirements. This means that they must abide by the Ofcom Broadcasting Code.

Areas of the Communications Industry not Regulated by Ofcom

Although Ofcom's powers are far reaching, the organization is not responsible for all areas of the communications industry. For example, while Ofcom must license television networks, they are not responsible for regulating the content of television and radio advertisements.

Finally, Ofcom is not responsible for determining which programmes are broadcast and when. However, the broadcasters who make these decisions must comply with some regulations which have been set forth by Ofcom. For example, material unsuitable for children is not to be shown before 9.00pm.

How to File a Complaint with Ofcom

Consumers in the United Kingdom can file complaints with Ofcom for the following reasons:

Problems with a landline phone
Problems with a mobile phone
Problems with internet service
Issues regarding television and radio programmes
Issues with digital television and radio availability
Problems with television and radio interference and reception.

The first step is to visit the compliant section of Ofcom's website. From there you will be directed to select the problem that you are wishing to complain about from a list similar to that provided above. From there, the site guides you through the entire process in a very easy and user-friendly manner.

< back