Generic filters

Frequently Asked Questions

Regulation and Compliance FAQs
Home » Frequently Asked Questions » Regulation and Compliance FAQs

Your Title Goes Here

Your content goes here. Edit or remove this text inline or in the module Content settings. You can also style every aspect of this content in the module Design settings and even apply custom CSS to this text in the module Advanced settings.

Q1. How does FCS help with CSP and MSP compliance?

A1. FCS can help you understand your regulatory obligations and offer suggestions for improvement.

Q2. What is the penalty if we or one of our partners is not compliant with Ofcom regulations?

A2. It can depend on the nature and the severity of the regulatory breech. FCS can help you understand your obligations, which should reduce this risk.

Q3. How does FCS recommend preparing for the PSTN Switch-Off?

A3. FCS recommends that if you have any WLR customers (including ISDN) you start migrating customers now. Openreach is due to withdraw WLR and any associated products/features on 31 January 2027. Any customers not moved by this date risk having their services terminated. Members can find out more in the FCS Member Area here: https://www.fcs.org.uk/member-area/frequently-asked-questions/analogue-pstn-switch-off/

If you would like to become a member, please click here: https://www.fcs.org.uk/about-membership/

If you would like to become a member, please click here: https://www.fcs.org.uk/about-membership/

    Q4. When will the PSTN Switch-Off happen?

    A4. Openreach is due to withdraw WLR and any associated products/features on 31 January 2027. Any customers not moved by this date risk having their services terminated.

    Q5. What is the GPLB Steering Group?

    A5. Ofcom’s One Touch Switch (OTS) for residential customers and Gaining Provider Led (GPL) process for business customers are now in force for fixed voice and broadband services.

    Make sure your switching process is compliant, seamless, and ready.

    Q6. What are the FCS training modules and how can I access them?

    A6. FCS ‘bite-sized’ training modules have been developed as a free benefit for our members, providing regulatory guidance, helping you to comply with the Ofcom General Conditions and UK Regulation.

    The modules cover:

    Module 1 – An overview of UK Regulation (12 minutes long)

    Module 2 – Ofcom Regulation – The General Conditions and EECC (19 minutes long)

    Module 3 – Advertising & Promotion / Sales & Marketing (17 minutes long)

    Module 4 – Contracts (20 minutes long)

    Module 5a – Switching – of Fixed Voice & Broadband (10 minutes long)

    Module 5b – Switching – of Mobile services (6 minutes long)

    They are all fairly short and can be completed one at a time, over a cup of coffee.

    Complying with Regulation is important. As the CP providing services to a customer (business or residential) you are responsible for ensuring you are compliant with UK Regulation. The modules provide the ideal way to stay compliant without taking too much time out of your busy day.

    Q7. What is the FCS Contract Tracker and how can I access it?

    A7. The FCS Contract Tracker is a practical online tool designed to help members ensure their customer contracts comply with Ofcom regulations.

    We understand how important your customer contracts are and how challenging it can be to stay up to date with regulatory requirements. That’s why we’ve partnered with our legal specialists at Preiskel & Co to create a simple, user-friendly solution.

    The Contract Tracker allows you to:

    • Select your customer type – different rules apply to different customer categories.
    • View all relevant Ofcom contract regulations in one clear, accessible place.

    It’s quick, intuitive, and completely free for FCS members.

    Q8. Is it true that I should not offer residential and small customers phone and/or broadband contracts with a commitment period longer than 24 months? (and does this rule also apply to bundles?)

    A8. Members can find the answer: https://www.fcs.org.uk/member-area/frequently-asked-questions/contracts/ If you are not yet a member, please click HERE to find out more about the benefits and join us.

    Q9. We are a new CP and have a new regulation team and want Ofcom GC guidance on everything that we have to comply with going forward, can FCS help?

    A9. Members can find the answer here: https://www.fcs.org.uk/member-area/frequently-asked-questions/ofcom-general-conditions/ . If you are not yet a member, please click HERE to find out more about the benefits and join us.

    Q10. What is the Analogue PSTN switch off, does it affect me and do I need to do anything about it?

    A9. Members can find the answer here: https://www.fcs.org.uk/member-area/frequently-asked-questions/switching/. If you are not yet a member, please click HERE to find out more about the benefits and join us.

    FCS Launches New Website for Improved Member Experience

    As part of our ongoing commitment to members, we are delighted to launch our new website.

    The new platform has updated features, including an improved search function, making it: 

    Easier to use 
    Easier to find information 
    Faster to get to our Briefings

    Complying with Regulation can improve your bottom line

    Regulatory Compliance, why it’s important and what applies to you!

    Presented at the UKPW26 and by Stefanie Norman and Steve Kerr

    Welcoming Nicola Robbins to the Regulation & Industry Engagement Team

    FCS is delighted to welcome Nicola Robbins to the team. Nicola has been in the telecoms industry for over 30 years;...