One of UK’s leading telecom operators, Ofcom has started a public consultation about the mobile phone industry. The company aims to redesign the scenario of the mobile phone market and will seek opinions from the general consumers in doing so. The telecom giant has launched a blog called Mobile citizens, mobile consumers that will allow them to hear out different points of view.
David Stewart of Ofcom, blogged recently, “We hope it can help inform people about the assessment of the UK mobile sector and how it’s going — and give a wider group of people than we might otherwise reach a chance to understand what Ofcom’s doing in this area, and debate the issues.”
Reports estimate that nearly 85 % of the adult population in the UK owns a mobile phone after a drastic rise in demand of the mobile broadband since 2007. Mobile subscriptions have touched approximately 70 million people in the UK which is more than the country’s present population of 60 million
With mobiles posing as a critical input for business, Ofcom is particularly keen in notifying the significant changes that have marked the mobile market in the recent years. Including the near ubiquitous penetration of mobiles Ofcom is very keen on getting a feedback from consumers. A significant rise in customer complaints is yet another cause of concern for Ofcom.
In addition to receiving consumer feedback on the services of the mobile industry in the UK, Ofcom will also look into issues like future competitions. With both 2G ‘not spots’ and build out 3G coverage, the telecom company’s consultation should also extend to the coverage of mobile networks. Mobile phone opinions should also aid Ofcom to evolve regulatory policies that will keep in pace with an ever changing market. Ofcom will be assuring consumers rules that are clear, effective and relevant.
Downloadable from the Ofcom website, the consultation runs till Nov 6th 2008.