Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, what steps she is taking to ensure Ofcom enforces the Universal Service Obligation.

The Government sets the legislative framework for universal service, and Ofcom as the independent regulator is responsible for implementing and enforcing the relevant regulatory obligations.

The Government can review and amend the statutory framework and where legislation provides for it, direct Ofcom to undertake reviews. We are currently working closely with Ofcom to commence a review of the Broadband Universal Service Obligation (USO) shortly.

Through the Strategic Statement of Priorities for telecoms, spectrum and post, designated in April 2026, the Government outlined priorities for Ofcom relating to both the Postal and Broadband USOs.