Queen’s Speech sets out plans for Digital Economy Bill

Ofcom given more power

As part of the measures announced in the speech, Ofcom will be given a new power, allowing the regulator to order communications providers to release data on complaints and broadband speed, aiming to give citizens more transparency when choosing a provider.

Consumers will also be able to get automatic compensation if anything goes wrong with their broadband.

The government will allow Ofcom to require providers to co-ordinate the process when customers switch providers.

The government also announced an Electronic Communications Code, which aims to “cut costs and simplify the building of mobile and superfast broadband infrastructure”, which it estimates will generate £1bn of savings for the communications sector over 20 years.

Simpler planning rules for building broadband infrastructure will also be introduced.

Legislation to pioneer driverless cars

The Queen’s Speech also announced laws to make the UK ready to pioneer driverless cars, as part of the Modern Transport Bill.

“My ministers will ensure the United Kingdom is at the forefront of technology for new forms of transport, including autonomous and electric vehicles,” she said.

This includes “legislation that will put the UK at the forefront of safe technology in the autonomous vehicles industry, such as drones and spaceplanes,” as well as ensuring appropriate assurance “is available to support the use of autonomous and driverless vehicles”, according to the background notes on the speech.  

In 2015, the government announced a £20m fund to research and develop driverless car technology in the UK. 

Gordon Morrison, director of government relations at Intel Security, said the announcement on diverless cars “is a clear example of where the government is actively pursuing cutting-edge technologies that will not only support our economy, but also position the UK as a global leader in transport technology”.

“However, it is crucial that in its pursuit of innovation, the government doesn’t neglect the security essentials which will guarantee not only the success of these new technologies, but also the safety of its users,” he added.

Data sharing

Other commitments as part of the Digital Economy Bill include a consultation on better sharing of publically held data sets “to improve service delivery while maintaining safeguards on privacy”, as well as giving the UK Statistics Authority “easier secure access to data to produce more and timely and more accurate” statistics.

In February 2016, the government launched a data sharing consultation, which included proposals to allow data to be used for research purposes and making unlawful disclosure a criminal offence.

Public authorities will also be given new powers to allow them to share information to combat public sector fraud.

Commenting on the Queen’s Speech, Josh Hardy, deputy director-general at the CBI, said: “Prioritising the digital revolution, which is transforming the face of modern business, is a key step to propelling the UK’s productivity.

“Ensuring that broadband reaches all corners of the country will breed a new generation of companies in an increasingly competitive environment.”