Ofcom has published its Plan of Work for 2026/27, setting out its priorities and key projects for the year ahead.

The Plan builds on the Three Year Plan that Ofcom published earlier this year (commented upon here) which focused on four priorities: (1) Internet and post we can rely on; (2) Media we trust and value; (3) We live in a safer life online; and (4) Enabling wireless in the UK economy.

Taking each in turn, Ofcom outlines a number of key projects aimed at ensuring reliable and secure networks. These include working to improve mobile connectivity in areas where the market delivers poor outcomes, preparing for its new duties under the Cyber Security and Resilience Bill, and considering how AI will affect broadband, mobile, and pay TV.

As for its activities in relation to media, Ofcom will consult on a new standards code for on-demand programme services, publish its final code of practice setting out how connected TV platforms can comply with accessibility requirements, and issue guidance on commercial agreements between public service broadcasters and regulated platforms.

The section on online safety is by far the most detailed, reflecting the scale of Ofcom’s responsibilities under the Online Safety Act 2023. It envisages a busy year ahead which will include: publication of the categorisation register (after which categorised services will be required to publish their first transparency reports); the release of a statement on additional safety measures to strengthen its Illegal Harms and Protection of Children Codes; and continued work on implementing, monitoring, enforcing, and evaluating the online safety regime.

Finally, in relation to wireless communications, Ofcom expects to, among other things, set out its approach to authorisations in the 2 GHz MSS band, publish a statement on its decisions for making the upper block of the 1.4 GHz band available for mobile, and review the current use and future demand for spectrum below 1 GHz.

To read the Plan in full, click here.