Ofcom

Ofcom took over from Oftel at the end of 2003 as the regulator of the UK’s communications industry. As well as home phone suppliers Ofcom also regulates television (terrestrial and digital), radio, mobile phone communications and broadband.

Ofcom’s role as a regulator covers:

• distribution - ensuring there is wide distribution of electronic communications services throughout the UK
• quality - ensuring the public has a wide range of TV and radio services of high quality and wide appeal
• protection the public from both offensive or harmful material and against unfairness or the infringement of privacy

As well as dealing with complaints and queries, Ofcom also carries out extensive consumer and audience research. If you're having problems with your home telephone provider, whether they're resolved or not, you should look into changing your provider. It's a simple process and won't cost you anything or take longer than about ten minutes. You can even switch suppliers online with uSwitch.com, which will compare each supplier available to allow you to make a good decision.

Ofcom will be happy to help with any serious problems you're having with your phone company - call Ofcom or go to http://www.ofcom.org.uk

uSwitch.com works closely with Ofcom to ensure consumers have access to the right information to help them choose the right supplier for their home phone. We work with Ofcom on matters relating to consumer policy and are an active contributor to Ofcom consultations.