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<p>Pricing regulation in the telecoms sector is a matter for Ofcom, the independent
regulator. However, most providers of fixed wireless access price their services in
line with comparable fixed line services and on a national basis.</p><p>In 2019 the
Government issued Ofcom with a Statement of Strategic Priorities for telecommunications
to which it must have regard when exercising its regulatory functions. This includes
tackling harmful industry practices and improving the support available to vulnerable
consumers.</p><p>In order to tackle digital exclusion we have introduced the Broadband
Universal Service Obligation to provide a digital safety net, ensuring a minimum level
of service to participate in society and the economy, based on information provided
by Ofcom. The USO came into effect on 20 March 2020, providing consumers with a legal
right to request a decent broadband service, providing download speeds of at least
10 Mbps and upload speeds of 1Mbps. Whilst there is still more to do, the evidence
suggests this approach is working as Ofcom’s Online Nations 2021 report showed that
people are using online services more than ever with the number of UK homes with internet
access increasing to about 94%.</p><p> </p>
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