Technology & Digital Technology and digital platforms UK-wide

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.

Guide summary

You must notify Ofcom before providing electronic communications services. You do not need a licence but must follow Ofcom's general conditions on security, contracts, complaints and consumer protection. Set up compliant contracts, complaints procedures, and emergency call access (999/112).

  • Notify Ofcom using online form before starting services
  • Review and comply with all Ofcom General Conditions
  • Implement customer contracts that meet Ofcom rules
  • Set up complaints handling procedures to Ofcom standards
  • Apply for telephone numbers if providing voice services
  • Comply with emergency call access requirements (999/112)
  • Maintain security and regulatory contacts (GC A)
  • Follow rules on number portability and caller ID (GC C)
On this page

Related guides in Digital & Technology

Tech Sector Licensing and Authorisations

Comprehensive guide to licences and regulatory authorisations required for technology businesses - telecommunications, financial services, intellectual property, export …

Electronic Communications Code

Rights and obligations for communications network operators to install and maintain electronic communications apparatus on public and private …

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)