Ofcom is the regulator for the communications services that we use and rely on each day.
As people communicate seamlessly online and offline, we now need to invest our efforts into making digital communications work for everyone
Ofcom wants to understand how adults and children in the UK use media.
Under the Online Safety Act, Ofcom's job is to make online services safer for the people who use them. We make sure companies have effective systems in place to protect users from harm.
Ofcom is committed to a thriving telecoms sector, where companies can compete fairly and customers benefit from a broad range of services.
Ofcom's job is to make sure there is a universal postal service.
You can't see or feel radio spectrum, but we use it every day. Our job is to authorise and manage the use of spectrum in the UK.
We make sure that broadcasters provide quality TV, radio and on-demand programmes that appeal to diverse audiences. We also have rules in place to protect viewers and listeners from harm.
How to make the most of communications services as a small business.
How to make the most of the services you use, and deal with problems.
Proposals we are consulting on and decisions we've made.
How we make sure companies follow our rules, to protect customers and promote competition.
Rules, guidance and other information for the industries we regulate.
If you're looking to use certain radio equipment, or broadcast on TV or radio, you'll need a licence from Ofcom.
Our latest news, features, views and information about our work.
Evidence we gather to inform our work as a regulator.
Showing 1 - 25 of 25
Published: 28 November 2024
We have deployed a beta version of an online mapping tool designed to assist stakeholders in identifying available spectrum in the most heavily used shared access band.
Published: 5 May 2021
Last updated: 8 November 2024
The 700 MHz and 3.6-3.8 GHz frequency bands are being awarded by auction. The frequency bands are likely to be used by mobile network operators to deliver a range of services, including 5G mobile.
Published: 23 July 2024
Ofcom is today launching a review of the annual licence fees we charge mobile network operators for use of three mobile spectrum bands (900 MHz, 1800 MHz and 2100 MHz).
Published: 11 January 2024
Last updated: 23 July 2024
At the Government’s request, we have undertaken a review of our market based approach to allocating mobile spectrum licences.
PDF file, 174.29 KB
Published: 8 July 2024
Published: 13 June 2024
More information about how radio spectrum is allocated in the UK, including links to important documents.
Published: 6 March 2024
This page answers some questions you may have about Ofcom's role in relation to electromagnetic fields (EMF).
Published: 2 January 2024
Published: 18 October 2023
Discussion paper about spectrum management for next generation wireless broadband for flexible access and spectrum sharing. Puts forward the case for making changes at each stage of the spectrum management pipeline.
Published: 14 August 2023
General demand for information required by Ofcom under Section 135 of the Communications Act 2003 and published in accordance with section 137(6) of that Act for the purposes of calculating the administrative charge for each Charging Year.
Published: 10 July 2023
The rules that apply to spectrum use in the UK. Includes licence-exempt use and devices like jammers and repeaters.
Published: 15 April 2014
Last updated: 21 June 2023
Frequently asked questions about Ofcom's interactive spectrum map
Published: 28 March 2023
We have considered the need for more flexible spectrum management solutions in response to growing demand for spectrum, and in light of technological developments.
Published: 30 March 2021
Last updated: 17 March 2023
Published: 6 December 2022
Last updated: 16 March 2023
An update on our current position on access to the upper 6 GHz band for mobile services.
Published: 1 February 2019
This paper explores what forms this wireless connectivity could take and how best to ensure it meets the needs of UK consumers and industry.
Published: 22 June 2017
The United Kingdom Frequency Allocation Table (UKFAT) details the uses (referred to as 'allocations') to which various frequency bands are put to the UK.
Published: 2 December 2021
In this discussion paper, we explore the opportunities and challenges presented by Terahertz spectrum.
Published: 4 April 2018
Daily updates for the 2.3 to 3.4 GHz spectrum auction.
Published: 9 February 2018
Published: 17 February 2020
Published: 16 March 2021
Daily updates providing information on the latest principal stage round of the 700 Mhz and 3.6-3.8 GHz spectrum auction.
Published: 18 January 2018
Many people with a hearing impairment use Assisted Listening Devices (ALDs) to help them hear more clearly.
Published: 30 January 2023
Published: 7 February 2018
Operators may establish, install and use radio equipment anywhere in the UK, in accordance with their Wireless Telegraphy Act licences, issued by Ofcom. Obtaining planning permission for the physical structures that host the radio equipment is handled by the relevant local planning authorities. Depending on location and size, not all base stations will necessarily require planning permission
