Public Input On Mobile Rules

UK government watchdog Ofcom is seeking public input on regulations covering mobile networks with a view to changing the rules.

In what many might see as a surprising move, UK government watchdog Ofcom is inviting public comment on the regulations surrounding mobile networks.

It’s looking for suggestions of where to tighten or relax existing rules and also suggestions on the best way to extend mobile coverage, according to the BBC.

In a statement, Ofcom chief executive Ed Richards said:

"With significant market and technology developments under way, now is the right time to ask some tough questions about the future approach to regulation."

With mobile calls set to surpass those from landlines in the next 12-18 months, this is probably a good time. The two areas of particular interest to Ofcom are comments on the so-called mobile termination rates, the amount companies charge each other for access to networks, which Ofcom would like to see reduced, and methods for lowering pay-as-you-go prices.

The consultation will continue until November 6, and as well as a virtual suggestion box, Ofcom has also opened a blog for the discussion of those suggestions.