Ofcom is consulting on new guidance for telecoms providers following the introduction of the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021. Under the new framework, Ofcom has a duty to ensure providers comply with their security duties, including as to the availability, performance or functionality of the network or service. It also gives Ofcom the powers to proactively monitor and enforce these duties.

Ofcom has set out the procedures it expects to follow in carrying out its monitoring and enforcement activities and proposed new guidance on which security compromises it would expect providers to report to it.

Ofcom is also proposing to update its existing guidance on network resilience to reflect the new framework, and draft regulations and Code of Practice, on which the UK Government is currently consulting.

The deadline for responding to the consultation is 17 May 2022. Ofcom plans to issue its final procedures and guidance in Autumn 2022. To access the consultation, click here.