Ofcom 'Connectivity you can count on': techUK response

Ofcom published its discussion paper 'Connectivity you can count on' on 3 June 2026, setting out proposals to improve the quality and reliability of mobile connectivity across the UK. techUK is preparing a collective response on behalf of its members and welcomes input from across the industry ahead of the submission deadline.

About the discussion paper

The paper marks a significant shift in Ofcom's regulatory focus, moving beyond coverage as the primary measure of network quality towards a framework that assesses real-world performance. Ofcom proposes a benchmark under which at least 90% of crowdsourced measurements should meet minimum thresholds for download speed, upload speed and latency. On current data, the UK ranks in the bottom third of comparable OECD economies for mobile performance.

The paper covers four key challenge areas, each with associated discussion questions inviting views from industry and other stakeholders:

The performance benchmark framework

Connectivity in busy urban areas

Connectivity on trains

Indoor connectivity in shared public spaces

Connectivity in rural areas

techUK's response

techUK is engaging directly with member organisations across the mobile and connectivity landscape to ensure that our collective response reflects the breadth of industry perspectives. Members who have not yet been in contact but wish to contribute views are encouraged to get in touch with the team directly.

As part of our evidence-building, techUK is hosting two short drop-in sessions for members to review and discuss the draft response before it is finalised. These are open to all techUK members with an interest in the paper's themes. No prior preparation is required — the sessions are designed as an informal opportunity to raise questions, flag concerns, or add perspectives not yet reflected in the draft.

The online meetings will take place on:

Tuesday 7 July – 13:00 – 13:30

Wednesday 8 July – 12:30 – 13:00

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Meet the team

Tales Gaspar

Programme Manager, UK SPF and Satellite, techUK

Tales has a background in law and economics, with previous experience in the regulation of new technologies and infrastructure.

In the UK and Europe, he offered consultancy on intellectual property rights of cellular and IoT technologies and on the regulatory procedures at the ITU as a Global Fellow at the European Space Policy Institute (ESPI).

Tales has an LL.M in Law and Business by the Getulio Vargas Foundation (FGV) and an MSc in Regulation at the London School of Economics, with a specialization in Government and Law.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: +44 (0) 0207 331 2000
Website:: www.techUK.org
LinkedIn:: www.linkedin.com/in/talesngaspar

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Sophie Greaves

Associate Director, Digital Infrastructure, techUK

Sophie Greaves is Associate Director for Digital Infrastructure at techUK, overseeing the Telecoms Programme, the Data Centres Programme, and the UK Spectrum Policy Forum.

Sophie leads our work across telecoms networks, security and resilience, supply chain diversification, advanced communications technologies, spectrum policy, and data centres - bringing these areas together into a dedicated Digital Infrastructure unit. She was previously Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy.

Prior to joining techUK, Sophie completed a masters in Film Studies at University College London; her dissertation examined US telecoms policy relating to net neutrality and content distribution.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 0207 331 2038
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/,https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophiegreaves/

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Josh Turpin

Programme Manager, Telecoms and Net Zero, techUK

Josh joined techUK as a Programme Manager for Telecoms and Net Zero in August 2024.

In this role, working jointly across the techUK Telecoms and Climate Programmes, Josh is responsible for leading on telecoms infrastructure deployment and uptake and supporting innovation opportunities, as well as looking at how the tech sector can be further utilised in the UK’s decarbonisation efforts.

Prior to joining techUK, Josh’s background was in public affairs and communications, working for organisations across a diverse portfolio of sectors including defence, telecoms and infrastructure; aiding clients through stakeholder engagement, crisis communications, media outreach as well as secretariat duties.

Outside of work, Josh has a keen interest in music, painting and sailing.

Email:: [email protected]
Phone:: 020 7331 2038
LinkedIn:: https://www.linkedin.com/in/josh-turpin/

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Ofcom 'Connectivity you can count on': techUK response

About the discussion paper

techUK's response

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Meet the team

Tales Gaspar

Sophie Greaves

Josh Turpin

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