Ofcom has launched a consultation on its proposed Plan of Work for 2025/26.

The proposed plan is centred around four priorities:

1. Internet and post we can rely on

Ofcom states that it aims to “protect the interests of consumers and enable everyone, everywhere to access fast and reliable networks and services”. Next year, as part of its Telecoms Access Review, Ofcom will publish its provisional assessment of wholesale fixed telecoms markets ahead of its decision on the new regulatory framework which will set out regulations from April 2026 to March 2031. Reviews will also be conducted into the ‘Wholesale Voice Markets’ (assessing the regulation of “call termination that supports the provision of landline and mobile telephone services in the UK”) and the ‘Wholesale A2P SMS Termination’ (considering bulk ‘Application-to-Person’ SMS messages such as hospital appointment reminders and delivery notifications).

2. Media we trust and value

Ofcom commits itself to ensuring that audiences can find and access a wide range of content, including public service media content and news that is “duly accurate, duly impartial and trusted”. In addition, it will continue to strive to make sure that media providers compete fairly and openly for audiences, and that such audiences are protected from harm without jeopardising freedom of expression.

Much of Ofcom’s work in this area next year will revolve around its implementation of the recently-passed Media Act 2024 (on which we have commented here). For example, it will: (1) update its Public Service Broadcasters (“PSBs”) regulatory requirements; (2) consult on proposals for implementing the Media Act’s changes to the Listed Events regime; (3) consult on a code of practice and guidance for platforms and PSBs about how to comply with the new regime; (4) prepare a report on the operation of the Video-on-Demand market  in the UK; and (5) publish its statement on new local news and information requirements for analogue commercial radio.

Outside of its work implementing the Media Act, Ofcom will also publish the findings of its review into “how the provision of Public Service Media content can be maintained and strengthened for the next decade and beyond”, and work with the ASA to prepare for the new restrictions on advertising junk food (on which we have commented here). Work will also continue in relation to the BBC, including conducting the next Periodic Review by Q4 2025/26 before the Charter ends in December 2027, assessing the BBC’s Public Interest Tests on audio services, and developing a BBC Online Material Code.

3. We live a safer life online

Ofcom will continue its extensive work in implementing the Online Safety Act 2023. Next year, following the approval of both the Illegal Content and the Protection of Children Codes of Practice, Ofcom will begin its enforcement role, and will work with regulated services to ensure that they can meet their new duties. It will also begin establishing rules for categorised services once the Register has been completed (which is estimated to be in summer 2025), and send out draft transparency notices with the expectation that the first transparency reports will be published by the end of 2025. Around that same time, and no later than early 2026, Ofcom also aims to publish draft Codes of Practice and guidance regarding additional duties on categorised services, and to commence the implementation of the fees regime.

4. Enabling wireless in the UK economy

Finally, Ofcom states that one of its priorities is to see that “spectrum remains an effective enabler for wireless communications for all people, businesses, and sectors”. Next year, it will attend the World Radiocommunication Conference with the following priorities in mind: (1) encouraging greater sharing between different users and wireless technologies; (2) ensuring sufficient spectrum and adequate protection of space science services; and (3) improving the satellite regulatory framework that supports innovation and growth of the sector.

Ofcom will also award the mmWave (26 and 40 GHz) spectrum, design the rules for the award of 1.4 GHz spectrum, and continue to explore authorisation options for the upper 6GHz band. Finally, it will continue its programme of work “to modernise and enhance [its] licensing platform to deliver greater automation, improve user experience, and increase spectrum efficiency”.

The consultation invites views and comments on matters raised by the proposed Plan of Work by 29 January 2025. The consultation paper can be read in full here.