Statement: Ofcom's Plan of Work 2021/22

Statement published 26 March 2021

High-quality, reliable communications services have been more important than ever throughout 2020/2021. These services will continue to be an essential part of people’s lives as the UK emerges from the coronavirus pandemic, and for years to come.

Following consultation including a series of public events, Ofcom’s Plan of Work set out its strategic priorities for 2021/2022.

Ofcom’s strategic priorities for 2021/2022

• Investment in strong, secure networks. Supporting ongoing investment in faster broadband and better quality mobile networks. Includes working with industry to ensure the UK’s vital communications networks are safe, secure and resilient.
• Getting everyone connected. Working to ensure people and businesses can access key communications services - including in the hardest to reach locations. Includes monitoring delivery of the universal broadband service and the Shared Rural Network. We will also work to make sure the universal postal service is sustainable for the future.
• Fairness for customers. Continuing our work to ensure broadband, phone and TV customers – particularly those who are vulnerable – can shop around with confidence, switch easily and are treated fairly.
• Supporting and developing UK broadcasting. Supporting the UK’s vibrant media sector, including public service broadcasting, and helping them to meet the changing needs of viewers and listeners. We will also continue to monitor and report on the BBC’s performance.
• Preparing to regulate online harms. We will regulate UK-established video-sharing platforms, under the new regime. The UK Government has confirmed it intends to appoint Ofcom as the regulator for online harms and we are preparing for this planned new role.

We will also take steps to ensure we are well positioned to carry out our duties both now and in the future. This includes:

• Strengthening Ofcom for the future. As our sectors and our duties are increasingly shaped by online services, we will evolve our skills, develop innovative working practices and build a diverse workforce that reflects the whole of the UK.
• Developing new partnerships. We will develop new – and build on existing – domestic and international partnerships with regulators, academia, governments, industry and organisations across sectors we regulate.

The Plan of Work also includes our work programme for 2021/2022, which explains the key activities we will be undertaking over the next 12 months across all of our work.