Ofcom will have new powers to assess the network infrastructure of both mobile and fixed broadband every two years.
Sources said the move would provide an ‘early warning system’ to the Government on ‘potential network infrastructure problems’ every two years. The Ofcom board has also been asked to write to the secretary of state if any problems should arise.
This is the first time Ofcom has been given an official responsibility to regularly assess mobile and fixed networks.
Communications Minister Stephen Carter said there would not be any formal expansion of Ofcom as a body and the new powers were aimed at liberalisation and de-regulation of the networks.
Ofcom will potentially look at network resilience and their recovery time as part of its new role.