Closed consultation

Open Communications: a Smart Data scheme for the UK telecoms market

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

We are analysing your feedback

Visit this page again soon to download the outcome to this public feedback.

Summary

We're seeking views on the potential introduction of a Smart Data scheme - 'Open Communications' - into the UK telecoms market.

This consultation ran from
to

Consultation description

This consultation will help us to better understand the potential benefits and challenges of introducing an Open Communications scheme into the UK telecoms market.

If taken forward, Open Communications would require broadband and mobile companies to provide their customers (on request) with data about their telecoms service - for example the price they pay, their download speeds and the data they use.

This consultation is inviting feedback on 3 core elements of any future Open Communications scheme:

  • the organisations who should participate
  • the data which should be made available
  • how data should be shared with consumers

We invite feedback from users of:

  • connectivity services
  • businesses or public institutions who procure telecoms services
  • Internet Service Providers (ISPs)
  • Mobile Network Operators (MNOs)
  • Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs)
  • technology companies who may seek to use Open Communications data or are already within scope of a Smart Data scheme, such as price comparison websites and banks

In particular we are seeking evidence regarding the extent to which a scheme may encourage consumer engagement in the market, the potential resource costs for telecoms providers and how it may impact competition more broadly.

Read our consultation privacy notice.

Impact assessment

The impact assessment assessment sets out our economic analysis of potential costs and benefits of an Open Communications scheme. It highlights the potential challenges facing consumers navigating the market as well as the potential impact this is having in the form of loyalty penalties.

Documents

Open Communications: a Smart Data scheme for the UK telecoms market: impact assessment

Request an accessible format.
If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email alt.formats@dsit.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Updates to this page

Published 18 September 2023

Sign up for emails or print this page