May 4, 2020

The Plan of Work 2020/21 sets out Ofcom’s priorities and work programme for the new financial year.

Ofcom says that since consulting on its draft plan in January 2020, the coronavirus pandemic has brought significant challenges to the sectors it regulates. Much of the nation is working, learning and keeping in touch with family using vital communications services from home. So reliable phone and broadband, post and parcel deliveries and high-quality TV and radio programmes have never been more important.

Ofcom says that it has been working with industry throughout this period to make sure people stay connected and continue to be informed and entertained. The regulator says it welcomes companies’ response to these challenges, including protecting access to critical services such as 999 and 111 and prioritising support for vulnerable customers.

Ofcom has adapted its plan to take account of the exceptional circumstances that have unfolded since the consultation. As well as supporting people and businesses through the current challenges, Ofcom says that it has an important programme of work planned for the next year.

The work will be guided by the following strategic themes:

• better broadband and mobile, wherever you are;
• fairness for customers;
• supporting UK broadcasting;
• ensuring online communications work for people and businesses;
• enabling strong, secure networks;
• sustaining the universal postal service;
• continuing to innovate in regulation and data to help people and businesses;
• increasing diversity and inclusion; and
• support through the EU exit transition period and continued international relationships.

Ofcom says that its focus is on delivering the work it has planned in full over the course of this year. However, it will monitor the evolving coronavirus situation closely and keep its plans flexible. To reflect this, it will publish an updated plan in September, as well as quarterly updates on our progress against the plan. To access the Work Plan, click here.