The study, which forms part of Ofcom’s Mobile Sector Assessment consultation, considers the recent dramatic increases in data service usage, which could accelerate over the next five years. This ubiquitous mobile broadband access may change the nature of the mobile proposition, the company said.
Widespread access to Internet-based services from laptops and mobile handsets, as well as the development of new applications based around mobile IP connectivity, would offer considerable additional value to UK consumers and businesses.
Mike Grant, partner at Analysys Mason, stated: “The current UK regulatory framework governing the delivery of mobile services was established to promote competition in infrastructure-based services that were delivered solely through mobile communications networks. With users increasingly focussed on consumption of content across multiple networks, adjustments to the UK regulatory framework are likely to be required if the benefits of the emerging trends are to be fully realised.”