General telecoms
The future of telecoms must put consumers first. Ofcom's general telecoms research examines technological and procedural opportunities across the sector.
Our SMEs and communications services page gathers together research on the availability and experience of communications services for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the UK, defined as businesses with fewer than 250 employees.
Our Large enterprises and communications services page gathers together research on the availability and experience of communications services for large enterprises in the UK, defined as businesses with 250 employees or more.
The Internet of Things (IoT) is a network of devices, including everyday consumer devices, that are connected to the internet to provide a range of new services and applications. Our study predicted that IoT connections across 12 industry sectors in the UK will grow to more than 150 million by 2024.
Software defined networking (SDN) allows the replacement of existing network elements by commodity servers controlled by software. In 2014 we commissioned a study from Fujitsu aimed at providing information on SDN activity.
Our 2012 report reviewed the various civil engineering technologies and deployment techniques (such as cable-laying techniques) used to roll out superfast broadband networks in the UK and elsewhere.
In 2012 we commissioned research to understand the breadth of communication methods used by UK adults.
In 2010 we conducted research into behavioural economics and its implications for regulation.
In 2008 we responded to the Byron Review, welcoming the opportunity to discuss how best to protect consumers in the online age.
This 2003 report summarised revenue, volume and market share trends from the residential and business fixed telecoms markets.
Ofcom reports on complaints from consumers who are dissatisfied with their experience in the telecoms and pay-TV sector. This complaint data is published quarterly. Ofcom also used to publish Telecoms complaints bulletins, and these cover the period of 2010 - 2015.
Ofcom commissioned Futuresight to conduct in-depth qualitative research to enhance our understanding of how consumers and micro-businesses use communication services. The final report is now available.