We will also seek to boost the role of local community broadcasting in the digital environment, exploring the suggestion of an access fund for community radio, under the aegis of Ofcom. Ofcom's powers must enable it to address new competition challenges as these emerge from advancing technology and changing business models. For example, the increasing need to rely on electronic programme guides leads to a new risk that they might be used to limit competition and consumer choice. Ofcom's powers to promote competition and protect consumers will therefore apply to access to EPGs and similar new systems. Services which we require to be universally available must also be readily accessible.
Communications depend either on wires or on the use of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The spectrum is an essential resource which must be managed in the public interest and in innovative ways that meet the needs of developing technologies. Ofcom will have a principal duty to protect the interests of consumers. There will be a new consumer panel to advise the regulator, able to research consumer views and concerns about service delivery and to represent those concerns to Ofcom and others. It will be independently appointed, decide its own research objectives and publish its findings and advice. Ofcom will have a crucial role in ensuring that our interests as citizens are properly respected by the world of communications.