UK - Government sets out draft strategic priorities for UK telecommunications and digital infrastructure

The UK Government’s Department for Science, Innovation & Technology (“DSIT”) has outlined its proposed Statement of Strategic Priorities that it will issue to Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, addressing telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services. The DSIT consultation on its proposals is open until 18 September 2025.  

Five strategic priorities 

DSIT’s priorities are wide ranging and include: 

1. Digital infrastructure - The Government continues to prioritise investment in gigabit connectivity and urges Ofcom to continue to support: investment and access to gigabit-capable fixed telecoms connectivity; ensure that Openreach continues to provide unrestricted access to its physical infrastructure (to support alternative fibre network roll-out); and continued investment in high-quality 5G networks. 

 To achieve these aims, DSIT mentions specific actions such as supporting broadband access for businesses in rural areas, a review of the broadband Universal service obligation (for BT and KCOM), prioritising investment and competition over regulatory measures to reduce retail prices, and assessing competition issues with 5G networks.  

1. Maximising spectrum access: DSIT emphasises maximising access to and use of spectrum through new management techniques, innovative technologies, and enhanced spectrum sharing. Special mention is made of space sector ambitions, international spectrum negotiations, and supporting specific sector spectrum needs. 
2. Transparent and competitive retail markets: The government supports Ofcom's shift towards monitoring consumer-focused interventions. Digital inclusion is recognised as vital, with Ofcom encouraged to leverage its position to promote safe digital participation.
3. Secure and resilient infrastructure: DSIT considers that the Government, Ofcom and the telecoms industry must work together to ensure networks are protected against threats. Key priorities include power resilience, incident reporting, and climate adaptation measures. Special mention is made of enforcement of the new Telecoms Security regime in the UK (introduced through the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021), as well as ensuring power resilience for telecoms operators (likely in response to the Heathrow power outage earlier in the year).
4. Sustainable postal services: The Government's postal policy priority remains to provide a universal postal service that meets user needs whilst being affordable, efficient, and financially sustainable. Recognising significant sector changes with declining letter volumes and growing parcel volumes, Ofcom must balance user needs with appropriate incentives for Royal Mail's modernisation.

What next for DSIT’s priorities

DSIT’s consultation is open until 18 September after which DSIT will issue a statement with its final priorities. A running theme with the priorities is the focus on the cost of regulation and stimulating growth, a continuation of instructions last year from the Prime Minister to regulators to boost growth through their regulatory interventions. Ofcom must have regard to DSIT’s priorities when making regulatory decisions and so will need to account for these trends going forward. 

For more information please contact Rory Coutts.