Technology & Digital Technology and digital platforms

General Authorisation for Electronic Communications Services

Any provider of electronic communications services or networks in the UK operates under a general authorisation regime. No individual licence required, but providers must comply with general conditions.

UK-wide
Guide summary

You can provide electronic communications services in the UK without a licence, but you must follow Ofcom's rules. Notify Ofcom before starting, and meet conditions on contracts, complaints, and emergency calls.

  • Notify Ofcom using their online form before providing services
  • Follow Ofcom's General Conditions for communications providers
  • Set up compliant contracts with customers
  • Create complaints handling that meets Ofcom standards
  • Apply for telephone numbers if offering voice services
  • Ensure emergency calls (999/112) work properly
  • Keep contact details up to date with Ofcom
  • Allow number portability for customers switching providers
  • Provide caller ID information where required
  • Follow consumer protection rules for communications services
On this page
UK-wide

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Overview

The UK uses a general authorisation framework rather than individual licensing for electronic communications. This means you can provide services without prior approval, but must comply with general conditions set by Ofcom.

General Conditions include

  • GC A: Regulatory contacts and network security
  • GC B: Contract requirements and complaints handling
  • GC C: Number portability and calling line identification
  • GC D: Consumer protection rules

Notification requirement

Before providing services, you should notify Ofcom (via online form). This enables Ofcom to maintain its register of providers and facilitates administration of telephone numbers.

  1. 1

    Review General Conditions

    Review Ofcom's General Conditions to understand your obligations

  2. 2

    Complete notification form

    Complete Ofcom's online notification form before providing services

  3. 3

    Implement compliant contracts

    Implement compliant contracts with customers

  4. 4

    Set up complaints handling

    Set up complaints handling procedures meeting Ofcom standards

  5. 5

    Apply for telephone numbers

    Apply for telephone number allocations if providing voice services

  6. 6

    Comply with emergency call access

    Comply with emergency call access requirements (999/112)

Notify Ofcom of electronic communications services (opens in a new tab)