Office of Electronic Communications

The Office of Electronic Communications (UKE) serves as the central government administration body responsible for regulating the telecommunications and postal markets in Poland. It was established on January 14, 2006, replacing previous institutions, including the Office of Telecommunications and Post Regulation. According to the Act of December 29, 2005, various individuals have held key positions at UKE, including Anna Streżyńska, Magdalena Gaj, and Marcin Cichy. The current president is Jacek Oko. UKE is responsible for organizing frequency reservations, maintaining the register of telecommunications entrepreneurs, and regulating the market, including telephone numbering and electromagnetic compatibility. The office's duties also include monitoring the frequency spectrum and overseeing the postal market. UKE operates beyond Warsaw, with 15 regional offices across various voivodeships. The European Commission has criticized UKE regarding certain pricing regulations and controversies related to the appointment process of its first president. UKE operates under strictly defined regulations and is supervised by the minister responsible for digitalization. In addition to market regulation, UKE plays a role in consumer protection. Before amendments to the Telecommunications Law, permanent consumer arbitration courts operated under UKE. These were abolished and replaced with out-of-court consumer dispute resolution mechanisms. UKE strives to adapt to the needs of the Polish telecommunications market, both in terms of investment and legislation, to effectively respond to the rapidly changing needs of users and operators.