Policy background The Office of Communications (Ofcom)
Ofcom is the independent regulator for communications in the UK. Its remit covers the regulation of broadband and telecoms, TV, radio, video-on-demand services and postal services. It is also responsible for the effective management of use of the radio spectrum.
	Ofcom is established under the Office of Communications Act 2002. Ofcom’s powers are found in the Communications Act 2003 and the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006, as well as other enactments including the Broadcasting Acts 1990 and 1996, and the Postal Services Act 2011.
	Ofcom is a statutory corporation. Its governance arrangements are set out in the Office of Communications Act 2002 and as a public authority it is also subject to other legal duties, including requirements to ensure it acts compatibly with human rights (under the Human Rights Act 1998) and complies with data protection legislation. The Act does not affect those obligations.