Office of Communications
(Ofcom)
Ofcom is the UK's communications regulator, overseeing television, radio, telecoms, broadband, postal services, and online platforms. It sets the rules for licensed broadcasters, ensures minimum broadband standards, and handles complaints about communications providers where the provider's internal complaints process has been exhausted.
Ofcom is the UK's communications regulator, established by the Communications Act 2003. It regulates television and radio broadcasting, telecommunications (mobile, broadband, landline), postal services, and — increasingly — online safety under the Online Safety Act 2023. Ofcom sets minimum broadband speeds, enforces rules on switching providers, and monitors network coverage obligations. Consumers with unresolved complaints about a telecoms or postal provider can refer to one of two approved Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) schemes after 8 weeks: Ombudsman Services: Communications (CISAS-registered providers) or the Communications and Internet Services Adjudication Scheme (CISAS). Ofcom investigates systemic breaches by providers and can impose fines; it does not adjudicate individual disputes. Consumers can check whether their provider is a member of an ADR scheme on the Ofcom website.