Committee publication · Correspondence · 29 April 2026
Correspondence from Minister for Digital Economy, re: Strategic priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum and postal services, 27 April 2026
Summary
Baroness Lloyd notifies the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee that the Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, radio spectrum management, and postal services has been formally designated under Section 2A of the Communications Act 2003 on 27 April 2026. The statement was laid before Parliament on 11 February 2026 and completed its 40-day objection period on 17 April without parliamentary objection. Ofcom must now have regard to the statement and report within 40 days on planned actions.
Key findings
- The Draft Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, radio spectrum, and postal services was formally designated on 27 April 2026 under Section 2A of the Communications Act 2003
- The statement completed a 40-day parliamentary objection period (11 February–17 April 2026) without either House resolving to disapprove it
- Ofcom is now legally required to have regard to the statement when exercising its functions and must provide written response within 40 days detailing planned actions
- Ofcom will be required to submit annual reports detailing what actions it has taken in consequence of the statement
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Baroness Lloyd of Effra, Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Department for Science, Innovation & Technology, Ofcom, House of Commons, House of Lords
Notable line
“Ofcom will be required to have regard to the statement, once designated, when exercising its functions and must set out …”
Key Quotes
“I am pleased to notify you and your committee that the Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications, the management of radio spectrum, and postal services will be designated for the purposes of Section 2A of the Communications Act 2003 on 27 April”
“Under section 2B of the Act, Ofcom will be required to have regard to the statement, once designated, when exercising its functions and must set out, within 40 days of designation, what actions it plans to take in consequence of the statement.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗