Committee publication · Correspondence · 3 June 2026
Correspondence from Minister for Digital Economy, re: Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 (Directions to Ofcom) Order 2010 Revocation Regulations 2026, 18 May 2026
Summary
The Minister for Digital Economy informs the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee that draft regulations revoking the 2010 Wireless Telegraphy Order have been laid before Parliament. Ofcom has confirmed all requirements in the 2010 Order have been met, making it obsolete. Revocation will remove outdated provisions, reduce legal uncertainty, and grant Ofcom greater flexibility to manage spectrum efficiently without affecting existing licence rights.
Key findings
- The 2010 Order required Ofcom to increase radio spectrum availability for mobile use, modernise mobile network rules, meet EU 3G requirements, assess mobile market competition, and set appropriate licence fees
- Ofcom has confirmed all obligations under the 2010 Order have been satisfied and the Order no longer applies
- Revoking the 2010 Order will maintain the UK spectrum framework under the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 and Communications Act 2003, which provide Ofcom with enduring powers and duties
- Revocation will remove outdated provisions, eliminate legal uncertainty, and provide Ofcom enhanced flexibility to manage spectrum in line with HMG's Statement of Strategic Priorities
- Existing licence rights will not be affected by this change
Tone
ProceduralTopics
spectrum-managementtelecommunications-regulationcompetition-lawdigital-infrastructure
Key actors
Liz Lloyd CBE, Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Ofcom, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Secretary of State
Notable line
“Ofcom has confirmed that all requirements set out in the 2010 Direction have been met and that it therefore no longer applies .”
Key Quotes
“The 2010 Order required Ofcom to make more radio spectrum available for mobile use, update old mobile network rules, meet EU requirements for rolling out 3G services, assess competition in mobile markets, and set licence fees appropriately.”
“Ofcom has confirmed that all requirements set out in the 2010 Direction have been met and that it therefore no longer applies .”
“This change will not affect existing licence rights but will remove outdated provisions, prevent legal uncertainty, and allow Ofcom more flexibility to manage spectrum efficiently in line with HMG's Statement of Strategic Priorities.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗