Technology & Digital UK-wide

Which telecommunications regulations apply to your business

Telecommunications operators — mobile network operators, fixed-line providers, internet service providers, satellite operators, MVNOs and wholesale connectivity providers — share a workplace-safety foundation, then face sector-specific Ofcom notification, spectrum licensing, security and lawful-intercept duties that other businesses do not.

Guide summary

If you run a telecoms business, you must first follow standard workplace laws for health, safety, fire, insurance, equality and data. Then you must also notify Ofcom, follow the General Conditions, hold spectrum licences for any radio equipment, meet security duties, and keep a lawful-intercept capability.

  • Follow workplace health, safety, fire, insurance, equality and data rules first
  • Notify Ofcom that you run a telecoms business
  • Comply with the General Conditions of Entitlement
  • Hold a spectrum licence for any radio apparatus you use
  • Meet tiered security duties set by Ofcom
  • Maintain capability to respond to lawful-intercept requests
  • Follow the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR)
  • Use the telecoms compliance checklist to confirm you have done everything
On this page

Related guides in Compliance & Legal

Running a telecommunications business means notifying Ofcom, complying with the General Conditions of Entitlement, holding spectrum licences for any radio apparatus, meeting tiered security duties, maintaining lawful-intercept capability and complying with privacy rules on electronic communications. On top of that, every business that employs people must meet workplace health and safety, fire safety, employers' liability insurance, equality and data protection obligations.

Telecommunications is a reserved matter. Ofcom operates UK-wide as the regulator for electronic communications networks and services. The Investigatory Powers Commissioner oversees lawful-intercept obligations. Workplace health and safety is enforced by HSE in Great Britain and HSENI in Northern Ireland.

What you need to do

Identify the description that best fits your business, then follow the guides in order.

  1. 1

    Every telecommunications operator

    Start with the universal workplace duties. Follow "Set up and run a safe telecommunications business" for your health and safety, fire safety, employers' liability insurance, equality and data protection obligations.

  2. 2

    You provide a public electronic communications network or service, hold spectrum licences, or need to meet security and lawful-intercept duties

    You must notify Ofcom, comply with the General Conditions, hold the right spectrum licences, meet tiered security duties, maintain lawful-intercept capability and comply with PECR. Follow "Meet your telecommunications regulatory duties".

  3. 3

    Confirm you have covered everything

    Work through the telecommunications compliance checklist to confirm your obligations are met.

Official sources

Authoritative starting points for telecommunications businesses.