- Date released: 29 November 2024
- Request Number: 202411058
- Release of information under: Freedom of Information Act 2000 (FOIA)
Information requested
I am writing to make a request for information to which I am entitled under the Freedom of Information Act 2000.
Please would you tell me:
- Does your body use physical fax machines?
- If yes, how many fax machines does your body have?
- Does your body have an on-premise fax infrastructure (no physical fax machines, but a fax server hosted by your body)?
- How much does faxing cost your body each year?
Additionally, I wish this information to be provided in a spreadsheet format.
Information released
We confirm that under s.1 of the FOIA, we hold some of the information you have requested. We have responded to each of your questions in turn.
Does your body use physical fax machines?
We confirm that ONR uses fax machines.
If yes, how many fax machines does your body have?
We have two fax machines. These are based in the Redgrave Court Incident Suite (RCIS) which is ONR’s operations hub for dealing with nuclear incidents and coordinating our role in emergency exercises. These are in place as a back-up communications tool. More information can be found on our website about our role in a radiation emergency.
Does your body have an on-premise fax infrastructure (no physical fax machines, but a fax server hosted by your body)?
No, these are stand-alone devices.
How much does faxing cost your body each year?
We have provided the BT charges for use of the two fax machines within ONR for the 12 month period between December 2023 and November 2024. These are in the attached spreadsheet as the preferred format requested.
Further information
We are aware that in November 2022 Ofcom consulted on changes to telecoms rules in light of the migration of telephony networks to internet protocol (IP technology) that may see the use of fax machines becoming obsolete. Ofcom’s statement published on 13 January 2023 confirmed they have amended their rules to remove the requirement for BT and KCOM to provide fax services under the telephony universal service obligation (USO), and that current users of fax should look for alternatives ahead of their telephony networks being migrated to IP.
Exemptions applied
N/A