Advice for consumers

Quick links

News and updates

Call for Input: Strengthening the UK’s radio spectrum regulatory framework for innovation

Published: 16 July 2026

Through this Call for Input (CFI), we want to hear from innovators, researchers, spectrum users, and other stakeholders about what Ofcom should do next to support wireless innovation and help the UK remain a leading place to develop, trial, and deploy new wireless technologies.

How to protect yourself from scam calls, texts and messages

Published: 15 July 2026

Scammers are increasingly sophisticated, and anyone can be a target But there are steps you can take to significantly reduce your risk. This page covers what to do in the moment, how to set up longer-term protections, and how to help others stay safe.

Unwanted calls, texts and emails

Published: 15 July 2026

Not all unwanted calls, texts and emails are scams. Nuisance marketing calls, spam texts and unsolicited emails are a different — but still serious — problem. This guide explains what to do.

Types of scam calls, texts and messages

Published: 15 July 2026

Scams can take many different forms, but they all share the same aim: to trick you into handing over money or personal information. Understanding what each type looks like is the first step to protecting yourself.

What to do about a scam call, text or message

Published: 15 July 2026

If you think you’ve received a scam call, text or message, the most important thing is not to engage with it. Don’t reply, click any links, press any buttons or share personal or financial details.

Scam calls, texts and messages

Published: 15 July 2026

Ofcom works with phone companies, the Government and other agencies to block scams and take action against those responsible. This page helps you recognise scams, protect yourself and report them.

Using your mobile abroad

Published: 20 July 2023

Last updated: 6 July 2026

‘Roaming’ is when you use your mobile or other devices abroad to make calls, send messages or use the internet. Roaming can result in extra charges, so it’s important to check your package or speak to your provider before you go overseas.

Automatic compensation: What you need to know

Published: 12 March 2024

Last updated: 2 July 2026

Our automatic compensation scheme means broadband and landline customers will get money back from their provider when things go wrong, without having to ask for it.

Money saving tips for phone, broadband and pay-TV

Published: 1 July 2026

Here are some simple ways to save money on your phone, broadband and pay-TV services.

Switching mobile, broadband or landline

Published: 13 August 2021

Last updated: 1 July 2026

Switching your mobile, broadband or landline provider is simple. For mobile, you can switch with a free text. For broadband and landline, your new provider can arrange the switch for you using One Touch Switch.

Switching landline provider

Published: 27 February 2017

Last updated: 1 July 2026

This guide explains what you need to do if you want to switch your landline to a new provider, using One Touch Switch.

Switching broadband provider

Published: 4 August 2010

Last updated: 1 July 2026

This guide explains what you need to do if you want to switch your broadband to a new provider, using One Touch Switch.

Switching mobile phone provider

Published: 1 October 2016

Last updated: 1 July 2026

This guide explains how to switch your mobile phone service to a new provider using Text to Switch. You can do this by sending a simple text message.

Telecoms price rises – what are your rights?

Published: 20 January 2023

Last updated: 29 June 2026

What are your consumer rights if you see your home phone, mobile, broadband or pay TV bills rise.

Checklist for new phone or broadband contract

Published: 22 January 2014

Last updated: 26 June 2026

This guide sets out some factors you might want to consider before signing a new contract and explains what you can do if the price you agreed to at the point of sale increases unexpectedly.

Social tariffs: Cheaper broadband and phone packages

Published: 6 March 2024

Last updated: 22 June 2026

Social tariffs can provide a safety net for customers who might be struggling to afford their broadband or phone services and can potentially get discounts and save money on their bills.

Your right to request a decent broadband service: What you need to know

Published: 8 August 2023

Last updated: 19 June 2026

Everything you need to know about your right to request a decent broadband service.

One million people have mapped their mobile – have you?

Published: 29 May 2026

A million people have flocked to Map Your Mobile, a free mobile checker, to help avoid dropped calls, sluggish data and patchy signal, Ofcom has revealed today.

Switching off the UK’s 2G and 3G mobile networks: what you need to know

Published: 6 March 2024

Last updated: 29 May 2026

The 2G and 3G mobile networks are gradually being switched off over the next few years. Here’s what this means for you as a customer.

Statement on the Business and Trade Committee’s report on the regulation of postal services

Published: 22 May 2026

Royal Mail’s current performance is not acceptable. For several years, too many deliveries have been delayed, and this has had a serious impact on families, communities and businesses across all the nations and regions of the UK.

Younger phone owners, the rise of AI, and consumption over creation – our latest look at UK children’s media lives

Published: 21 May 2026

We’ve published our latest research into how children spend their time online and interact with different forms of media.

Making a complaint and using ADR schemes

Published: 8 March 2024

Last updated: 5 May 2026

You can use this page to see which ADR scheme your provider belongs to.

How Ofcom is helping children to be safer online – a guide for parents

Published: 24 April 2025

Last updated: 20 April 2026

Children in the UK will be able to live a safer life online under new Ofcom protections which set ambitious new safety standards for tech firms. As the UK’s online safety regulator, protecting children is a priority for Ofcom. We’re determined to make the online world a better place for them – and to give parents peace of mind that their children will be better protected from the risks they might face.

Notifying a phone or broadband provider of a customer's death

Published: 28 November 2022

Last updated: 8 April 2026

Advice on telling a provider when someone has died, and closing or altering their account.

Mobile phone service faults and problems

Published: 4 May 2017

Last updated: 8 April 2026

Advice on how to help identify the cause of mobile phone faults and report them to your provider.

Broadband and landline faults and problems

Published: 13 October 2023

Last updated: 8 April 2026

We know how frustrating it can be when things go wrong with your home phone or broadband. If you’re having problems, this guide explains how you can get them sorted.

Unable to pay a bill?

Published: 13 March 2013

Last updated: 8 April 2026

Don’t agree with the charges on your bill? Find out what you need to do if you want to dispute a bill.