Summary
We're seeking views on the potential introduction of a Smart Data
scheme - 'Open Communications' - into the UK telecoms market.
This consultation closes at
11:45pm on 13 November 2023
Consultation description
This consultation will help us to better understand the potential
benefits and challenges of introducing an Open Communications
scheme into the UK telecoms market.
If taken forward, Open Communications would require broadband and
mobile companies to provide their customers (on request) with
data about their telecoms service - for example the price they
pay, their download speeds and the data they use.
This consultation is inviting feedback on 3 core elements of any
future Open Communications scheme:
- the organisations who should participate
- the data which should be made available
- how data should be shared with consumers
We invite feedback from users of:
- connectivity services
- businesses or public institutions who procure telecoms
services
- Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
- Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
- Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
- technology companies who may seek to use Open Communications
data or are already within scope of a Smart Data scheme, such as
price comparison websites and banks
In particular we are seeking evidence regarding the extent to
which a scheme may encourage consumer engagement in the market,
the potential resource costs for telecoms providers and how it
may impact competition more broadly.
Read our consultation privacy
notice.
Impact assessment
The impact assessment assessment sets out our economic analysis
of potential costs and benefits of an Open Communications scheme.
It highlights the potential challenges facing consumers
navigating the market as well as the potential impact this is
having in the form of loyalty penalties.
Documents
Open Communications: a
Smart Data scheme for the UK telecoms market
Open Communications: a
Smart Data scheme for the UK telecoms market: impact
assessment
Ways to respond
Email to:
OpenCommsConsultation@dsit.gov.uk
Write to:
Open Communications Consultation,
Digital Infrastructure,
Department for Science, Innovation and Technology,
100 Parliament Street,
London,
SW1A 2BQ
