Digital Communications

This sector covers the businesses that provide the infrastructure for e-commerce, e-government, electronic fund transfers, entertainment, news and all other services that are delivered electronically through such technologies as the internet, mobile phones and digital broadcasting.   It includes carriers, internet service providers, domain name registrars and users of those networks.

The previous government’s strategy for digital communications was set out in its Digital Britain Report which proposed new legislation to implement that strategy.   Some of those proposals were embodied in the controversial Digital Economy Act 2010 which was passed in the wash up period following the announcement of the dissolution of Parliament.   The Act deals with OFCOM (the communications industry regulator), online infringement of copyright, domain name registrars, public service television, independent radio, access to the electromagnetic spectrum and related services.   We have followed this legislation closely and will be publishing materials and running courses on the statute and any resulting case law.   It is not yet certain that the new government will follow its predecessor’s strategy.

Links

Digital Communications Knowledge Transfer Network

Department for Business Innovation and Skills