Leaked documents point to radical Ofcom reform

Ofcom could be subjected to "substantial reform" as part of a series of mergers, cuts and overhauls to public sector quangos outlined by the coalition government.

Leaked documents (PDF) obtained by the BBC show that the government is seeking to overhaul the role of the media watchdog, as well as merging it with postal services regulator Postcomm.

The decision to combine the two organisations has been on the cards for almost two years, after a review backed by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills in 2008 and this month.

"The responsibility for the regulation of the postal sector should be transferred to the communications regulator," said Richard Hooper, chairman of the Postal Services Sector Review Panel, in a report on the Royal Mail's future (PDF).

A spokesman for Ofcom claimed that the regulator is well aware of the possibilities of such a merger, and will work with the relevant authorities to oversee the change as and when it occurs.

"The government has made it clear that it plans to merge Postcomm into Ofcom, and we continue to work with the government and the relevant parties on this matter," he said.

The spokesman added that he is unable to comment on the "substantial reform" aspect of the leaked documents, as he is unaware of what this may entail.

Nevertheless, any changes that could be implemented would have a major impact on areas relating to telecoms and mobile technologies, where Ofcom plays a major role in setting rules and regulations.

In recent months Ofcom has given mobile operators permission to increase power limit levels for the coverage of 3G spectrum, commissioned studies on the mobile broadband market and warned errant telecoms companies over their behaviour.

The Technology Strategy Board was also mentioned in the leaked report, but is to be retained.