We believe that good regulation goes hand-in-hand with investment and innovation. That has always been at the heart of our work.
One of our regulatory principles is to operate with a bias against intervention, albeit with a willingness to intervene promptly and effectively where required. We do so proportionately, allowing companies to explore and innovate. This is important, because technology in our sectors is evolving rapidly.
We are constantly looking ahead to identify how we can help to deliver future benefits to the people who use the products and services we regulate, as well as the wider economy.
Our 2024/25 Annual Report and Accounts show the impact of our work over the past year, and we’re excited to navigate what’s coming next.
Highlights for 2024/25
Reforming the postal service
Our proposed reforms to the postal service will enable Royal Mail to adapt in an evolving market and future-proof a vital method of communication used by millions of people in the UK.
Wider broadband reach
Some 25 million homes in the UK can now access gigabit-capable connections, including both full-fibre and ultrafast cable networks, almost reaching the Government’s target of 85% coverage by 2025.
Ensuring telecoms resilience
Our continued monitoring of the security and resilience of the UK’s telecoms networks provides reassurance for the consumers and businesses who rely on them every day.
Implementing the Media Act
We began our implementation of the Media Act, legislation that will protect public service broadcasting, help audiences to continue to enjoy quality programming, and help to support the UK’s creative economy.
Speaking to audiences
Through our research into audiences’ preferences and changing behaviours, we can better understand their evolving needs and inform our rules and how we work in this area.
Improving accessibility
We have continued to make sure people with hearing and sight impairments can access crucial services such as subtitles, signing and audio description on a range of television channels and platforms.
Enforcing standards, protecting audiences
We assessed tens of thousands of complaints and took action where broadcasters broke our rules, ensuring audiences’ continued trust in what they see and hear.
Maintaining freedom of expression
While carrying out our work to protect audiences and uphold broadcast rules, we also continued to consider broadcasters’ and audiences’ right to freedom of expression – a vital balance to strike.
Driving diversity
The broadcasting industry must reflect the range of audiences it serves. Our monitoring of diversity in the sector helps to achieve this and identifies areas for improvement.
Taking action
Our work as online safety regulator has formally begun – we’ve set out the rules, kicked off enforcement action and have already launched investigations into some online services.
A focus on children
Through our research we have identified specific harms to children and are working to protect them from illegal and harmful content.
Careful consultation
Through detailed consultation over the past year we have been able to set out practical measures that providers must put in place to make services safer for their users.
Better, faster connections
We’re ready to grant access to new radio spectrum, improving mobile connections in the areas they’re most needed.
Innovation in the airwaves
Through pioneering sharing of spectrum, airwaves will be used in a range of different ways, boosting coverage and performance for people who need to stay connected.
Driving growth
By setting out future uses for the radio spectrum, we’re unlocking new and improved uses, driving competition as providers seek to meet consumers’ needs.