UK telecoms security: providers' duties under the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021, Electronic Communications (Security Measures) Regulations 2022 and Code of Practice; Ofcom enforcement, tiering, supply chains and NIS overlap

Published by a LexisNexis TMT expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note offers practical guidance on the security duties that apply to communications providers in the UK. It covers the Telecommunications (Security) Act 2021 (T(S)A 2021), secondary legislation such as the Electronic Communications (Security Measures) Regulations 2022 (the Security Regulations), SI 2022/933, and the Telecommunications Security Code of Practice. It also outlines Ofcom’s role in supervising and enforcing these obligations. For a broader overview of the UK regulatory landscape, see Practice Note: The UK regulatory framework for telecommunications.

Background and legislative framework

T(S)A 2021 establishes the mechanism for the UK’s telecoms security regime. Using powers under that Act, the government may make regulations imposing targeted security requirements on providers of public electronic communications networks (ECNs) and public electronic communications services (ECSs). In essence, those duties require providers to:

reduce the likelihood of security compromises; and
prepare for their potential occurrence.

The drive for stronger security standards followed several government reviews, including:

the Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy; and
the Telecoms Supply Chain Review.

These reviews recognised the growing reliance on ECNs and ECSs and the need to shield them from cyber attackers. Subsequent to the...

To view the latest version of this document and thousands of others like it, sign-in with LexisNexis or register for a free trial.

Web page updated on 22/05/2026

Popular documents

Using the Judicial College Guidelines to assess general damages in personal injury claims

When evaluating a general damages claim, the practitioner ought initially to refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG)...

Tomlin orders in England and Wales: CPR guidance on drafting, confidentiality, approval, variation, enforcement, limitation, CCA issues, court-specific requirements, sample wording and precedents

This Practice Note This Practice Note reviews mechanisms used in settling litigation. A Tomlin order consists of a consent order paired with a schedule. It operates to stay proceedings on terms that have been agreed. The provisions contained in the schedule may remain confidential. This Practice Note describes the scope of confidentiality attaching to the schedule and sets out how it differs from a standard consent order. Sample wording for a Tomlin order is included, alongside links to precedents, as well as guidance on court approval. It also addresses varying, setting aside and enforcing a Tomlin order, including the considerations the court will take into account when handling applications for each. Further guidance is provided on interpreting and applying the relevant provisions of the CPR; however, some courts and divisions impose very specific requirements for both drafting and approval, and for approaching the schedule and confidentiality issues. Accordingly, you must consider the particular rules and court guide provisions in the forum where your claim is proceeding when drawing up the Tomlin order...

Precedent: Deed of Surrender of Lease with Optional Premium, Settlement and Release, Landlord, Mortgagee and Guarantor Consents, Reimbursement and HM Land Registry Provisions (England and Wales)

Date [ date ] Parties [ name of Landlord ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Landlord) [ name of Tenant ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Tenant) [ [ name of Guarantor ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Guarantor) ] [ [ name of Mortgagee ] [ of OR incorporated in England and Wales (company registration number [ number ]) with its registered office at ] [ address ] (Mortgagee) ] Definitions Within this Deed, the terms below shall be interpreted as follows: [ Annual Rent • the annual sum reserved under the Lease; ] [ Insurance Rent • the Tenant’s share of the Landlord’s costs of insuring the Property (as set out in the Lease); ] Lease • the lease of the Property dated [ date ], entered into between (1) [ the Landlord OR [ name ...

Precedent Statutory Declaration: Standard Wording under the Statutory Declarations Act 1835

I, [ name ], of [ address ], solemnly and sincerely state that: [ Matters to be verified, set out in numbered paragraphs ] I make this solemn statement in good conscience, believing it to be true, and pursuant to the provisions of the Statutory Declarations Act 1835. DECLARED at [ details ] this [ day ] day of [ month and year ] Before me ................................................................................ [ signature of the person before whom the declaration is made ] A [ commissioner for oaths OR [ solicitor OR [ insert other qualification ] ] authorised to administer oaths ]...