Communications providers (CPs) have a legal obligation to identify, prepare for and reduce the risk of anything that compromises the availability, performance or functionality of their network or service.
The regulator is proposing to update its resilience guidance for CPs, which sets out the measures it expects them to take to keep their networks running.
This could include the addition of three areas. First, CPs will need to make sure networks are designed to avoid, or reduce, single points failure. Second, they will need to make sure key infrastructure points have automatic failover functionality built in, so that traffic is immediately diverted to another device or site when equipment fails. Thirdly, CPs should set out the processes, tools and training that should be considered to support the requirements on resilience.
Separately, Ofcom is also calling for input on power backup for mobile networks. These networks are dependent on electrical power to function and outages can cause service disruption for customers.
The amount of battery backup in place at the moment varies by mobile network operator (MNO).
The regulator wants to “start a discussion” about what power backup MNOs can and should provide for their networks and services, with a view to implementing this in its guidance in the future. Ofcom will also work with industry and government to identify and pursue other ways to address this issue.
Responses to these consultations can be submitted online until Friday 1 March 2024. Ofcom intends to publish its decision on the resilience guidance, and next steps on mobile power resilience, in summer 2024.