30 second guide to...Ofcom 

By City & Finance Reporter for the Daily Mail

Published: 16:21 EST, 16 July 2015 | Updated: 16:27 EST, 16 July 2015

Watchdog: The Ofcom headquarters in London

Communications, right?

Yes. The Office of Communications, or Ofcom as it is known, is the regulatory and competition authority for the broadcasting, telecommunications and postal industries in the UK. 

It was set up in 2002 and is accountable to Parliament. Chief executive Sharon White was appointed in March.

What does it do?

It is meant to look after the public. Its website says: ‘We make sure that people in the UK get the best from their communications services and are protected from scams and sharp practices, while ensuring that competition can thrive.’

So what’s new?

Ofcom’s job is to ensure that consumers are not ripped off, and get good service. Yesterday it published a report into how the industry works to provide services over the next decade. 

The sector is at a juncture, with use of mobile internet going through the roof and consolidation between competing companies.

What did it say?

One of the biggest issues it faces is whether to keep BT and its networks division Openreach together. 

Openreach leases its wires to all firms in the sector (aside from Virgin), including BT. BT claims all companies are treated equally, but rivals claim BT gives itself preferential treatment. 

Once they all make their case to Ofcom, the regulator will have to decide who is right.