\tThe UK government launched a public consultation on priorities for regulator Ofcom, which includes a proposal to investigate the case for mobile roaming in rural areas to improve access.<\/p>\n
Other issues being assessed include coverage obligations for\u00a0rural areas and the UK’s road network as part of a forthcoming 700MHz spectrum auction [1]; and tackling a so-called \u201cloyalty penalty\u201d where consumers who do not switch providers end up paying more.<\/p>\n
A rule to prevent such perceived penalties would fit with legislation being discussed for a number of other industries including utilities and insurance.<\/p>\n
One of the ultimate aims outlined in the proposal is to \u201csupport investment in reliable, gigabit-capable broadband networks across the country\u201d. This includes examining the cost and benefits of enabling mobile roaming in areas not covered by all four operators, described as \u201cpartial not spots\u201d.<\/p>\n
The government\u2019s four central targets for Ofcom are: build world-class<\/a> infrastructure; further the interests of telecoms consumers; ensure secure and resilient telecoms infrastructure; and measures around protecting the universal postal service.<\/p>\n Its Statement of Strategic Priorities consultation covers telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum and post: it ends on 27 March.<\/p>\n Jeremy Wright, UK Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport said: \u201cAs well as ensuring the necessary improvements to broadband and mobile services, consumers must also be protected. I urge Ofcom to tackle harmful business practices and remove barriers to switching.\u201d<\/p>\n[1] https:\/\/www.mobileworldlive.com\/featured-content\/top-three\/ofcom-tables-cut-price-spectrum-deal-for-rural-pledges\/<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" The UK government launched a public consultation on priorities for regulator Ofcom, which includes a …<\/p>\n The post UK mulls rural roaming in regulatory review<\/a> appeared first on Mobile World Live<\/a>.<\/p>\n