Mobile regulations need "adjustments"

The UK regulatory framework needs adjustments due to the growing adoption of mobile broadband services, according to a study.

Commissioned by Ofcom, the research by Analysys Mason is part of the body's Mobile Sector Assessment consultation.

It looked at the increasing use of mobile for data services and the potential for that usage to increase in the next five years, and found that this may require changes to mobile regulation, to offer better value to both businesses and consumers.

This would include more access to internet-based services from mobiles and laptops, as well as the creation of new applications which are based around mobile IP connectivity.

"The current UK regulatory framework governing the delivery of mobile services was established to promote competition in infrastructure-based services that were delivered solely through mobile communications networks," said Analysys Mason partner Mike Grant.

"With users increasingly focused on consumption of content across multiple networks, adjustments to the UK regulatory framework are likely to be required if the benefits of the emerging trends are to be fully realised."

The report was compiled by developing four potential scenarios for both the evolution and development of the mobile industry in the next decade.