Ofcom's annual plan is available at http://www.ofcom.org.uk/about/accoun/reports_plans/annual_plan0708/statement/ann...

Includes budget for 2007:

Ofcom (UK population 60m): GBP 126.7m - USD 250.3m at today's exchange rate


By way of comparison:

FCC (US population 300m): USD 302.5m (http://www.fcc.gov/Reports/fcc2007budget.html)

From its website:

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is an independent United States government agency, directly responsible to Congress. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite and cable. The FCC's jurisdiction covers the 50 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. possessions.


One differing aspect is that the FCC has very strict rules regarding premium rate calls and the ability for the customer to withhold payment if a dispute arises. Generally the FCC is viewed here as an agency with significant clout. Compare with Ofcom and ICSTIS which, together, provide a framework for both a scammers' charter and unchecked criminal activity.