UK Telecommunications Regulatory Forecast for September 2023
Ofcom Proposes New Mobile Roaming Protections to Combat Scam Calls
Following the end of the EU "roam like at home" rules after Brexit, the UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, has announced a consultation on new mobile roaming customer protections. The proposed measures aim to reduce scam calls that spoof UK mobile numbers when roaming abroad.
The key points of the proposals include stricter verification of caller IDs for roaming calls, increased blocking or filtering of calls that appear to spoof UK mobile numbers, and new rules for all UK mobile companies to notify customers when they start roaming. These measures may lead to increased compliance requirements and operational complexity for international wholesale telecom providers.
Ofcom's goal is to enhance consumer protection against scam calls exploiting roaming loopholes. The consultation period is open until the 28th of September 2023, with a decision expected in early 2026. If approved, an implementation period of six months has been proposed to allow mobile providers time to make necessary changes.
In addition to the proposed protections, Ofcom is considering providing customers with information on how to avoid unintended roaming. The regulator is also considering additional protections to ensure consistency and clarity in the information provided to customers.
These proposals reflect Ofcom’s ongoing effort to tackle scam calls and improve trust and security in UK mobile communications post-Brexit. The Regulatory Outlook series, which includes articles on various topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Advertising and Marketing, Competition, Consumer Law, Cyber security, Data Protection, Employment and Immigration, Environment, Environmental, Social and Governance, Fintech, Digital Assets, Payments and Consumer Credit, Food Law, Health and Safety, Products, Regulated Procurement, does not include any advertisements.
The proposed protections are particularly important for customers residing in Northern Ireland. Ofcom is considering introducing new rules to ensure that all UK mobile companies notify customers when they start roaming.
The consultation closes on the 28th of September 2023, and Ofcom plans to publish its decision early next year. The proposed rules would require companies to inform customers about roaming costs and ways to limit spending.
The new mobile roaming protections proposed by Ofcom may lead to increased financial obligations for international wholesale telecom providers due to stricter verification of caller IDs and new rules requiring companies to notify customers about roaming costs. With the goal of enhancing consumer protection, Ofcom is also considering providing customers with detailed information on how to avoid unintended roaming charges, which could potentially involve additional finance-related measures.
