CONSUMERS AND CITIZENS MUST BE AT THE HEART OF COMMUNICATIONS REGULATION AND POLICY

Consumers and citizens must be at the heart of communications regulation and policy (pdf)

14 July 2009

At the core of all the Communications Consumer Panel's work is the drive to put consumers and citizens at the heart of policy and regulation in the communications sector Chair Anna Bradley says.

Launching this year's annual report (2008/2009), Anna Bradley writes that over the past year this involved carrying out a major piece of research on the role of communications services in meeting people's evolving needs to inform the Government's plans for Digital Britain.  The research showed that people place a high value on communications services and that soon broadband will be essential for everyone. These research findings have informed our advice and helped to shape our priorities for the year ahead.

Alongside such major work, the Panel has advised on a wide range of issues, including tracking digital TV switchover to see that the needs of vulnerable people are met, pointing out the need for consumers to receive reliable information about broadband speeds and highlighting the social and economic benefits of investment in next-generation broadband.

Anna Bradley concludes by saying that, "This year we have also made the Panel's activities more visible - setting up a new website, introducing a monthly newsletter and launching a blog for Panel members to share ideas and information. And, for the first time, we held a consultation meeting for stakeholders on our Work Plan, so that people could feed in their views."

Ends

NOTES FOR EDITORS AND CSEs

The Communications Consumer Panel was established to advise Ofcom on the consumer interest in the markets it regulates. The Panel is independent and sets its own agenda. Visit www.communicationsconsumerpanel.org.uk for more information. The Panel's members appointed by Ofcom are:

  • Anna Bradley (Chair)
  • Fiona Ballantyne (member for Scotland)
  • Louisa Bolch
  • Kim Brook (member for Wales)
  • Colin Browne
  • Roger Darlington (member for England)
  • Maureen Edmondson (member for Northern Ireland)
  • Leen Petre
  • Damian Tambini
  • Bob Warner

CONTACT

Communications Consumer Panel Media Adviser Siân Evans 020 8674 8921 / 07713997510

media@communicationsconsumerpanel.org.uk