• Ofcom recognition of the importance of the business communications market and the role of the complex supply chain. We are urging Ofcom to appoint a “Business Champion” and actively consider the impact of any regulatory changes on the business market.
• A regulatory regime that reflects today’s technological reality, an end to siloed market reviews and a recognition of the IP end-to-end connectivity market.
• A technology neutral regulatory regime that encourages competition. This is particularly important in new and emerging markets such as satellite connectivity, where wholesale access across the supply chain is needed.
• Fair and non-discriminatory access to wholesale products across all communications markets. Currently, there is no right to wholesale access in the mobile market. This needs to change and there needs to be a recognition of the potential competition concerns of the vertical and horizontal integration of the three Mobile Network Operators and fixed networks.
• Gaining-Provider-Led switching across all platforms that work for the whole supply chain and a number porting process that works.
• Openreach Business Products that deliver value for money and enhanced customer service.

You can find the detail of FCS policy positions by clicking on the links below.

Professional radiocommunications is an extremely important aid to the functioning of our whole society.  It is used to coordinate the actions of teams who provide use with a host of essential things.  To mention only a few, these things include:

• Food in the shops
• Electricity in our homes
• Transport in all its forms
• Emergency services
• Security for your business premises
• and so on.

This is not the same as the mobile you may carry in your handbag.  This is a completely different thing.  It is designed to be utterly reliable and able to withstand all sorts of adverse conditions where other communications might quickly fail.

The whole operational radiocommunications sector has been undergoing significant change as new user needs, technologies and opportunities emerge.  These changes not only present vital opportunities for the UK, they also challenge  long-held, regulatory assumptions and have, in the past, made even the most fundamental regulatory principles outmoded and continue to do so.

Because of the importance this form of radiocommunications, it is crucial that the regulatory environment supports the end goals, moving the UK forward.  The FCS is therefore delighted that Ofcom and other organisations understand the importance of this sector.

The Federation of Communication Services works very closely with expert teams within Ofcom and other organisations to ensure that the operations we need to have happen continue to be supported as they change and develop.

Business development opportunities for suppliers should be facilitated by promoting full, fair, and open competition in international markets.

Trade agreements should be promoted that eliminate or reduce artificial market access barriers and technical barriers to trade.

Access to public-sector spend in UK and EU markets should be on the basis of free access to suppliers of all sizes. Specifiers and buyers should have to justify pre-qualification barriers which discriminate in favour of the status-quo and against small businesses and new entrants to the market.

Communications services must be liberalized on a technology-neutral basis.

Bilateral and multilateral telecom agreements should provide for transparency, independent regulatory authority, non-discrimination against foreign suppliers, and technology neutrality.

FCS supports the development and implementation of common-sense enforcement approaches to New Legislative Framework and export control mechanisms that risk distorting the market for recycling and resale of end-of-life mobile phones and IT equipment.

Enforcement authorities should provide robust guidance for manufacturers, importers, wholesalers and resellers with regard to ‘first placer’ and chain-of-custody requirements.