Protecting the USO

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Today, we are welcoming the BIS Select Committee’s report , which follows Moya Greene’s evidence session in November 2014.

Key findings

The report says that Ofcom has to recognise its over-riding obligation to protect the Universal Service Obligation (USO). The regulatory framework may need to change to ensure this.

We share the Committee’s concerns that while the USO is not under immediate threat from cherry picking competition, this could change quickly due to the ambitions of some direct delivery competitors.

We also share the Committee’s concerns that Ofcom may not be able to respond fast enough to avoid a failure in the Universal Service, even in the short term. The Committee has called for an update every quarter from Ofcom on the state of the Universal Service and any action it is proposing.

Important debate


We agree with the Committee’s recommendation that the Government considers extending Ofcom’s responsibilities to include consideration of labour costs, conditions and standards in the postal sector.