Most of Postcomm's role involved regulating Royal Mail (for letter delivery and to guarantee a universal postal service) and its two subsidiaries, Post Office Ltd and Parcelforce.

It was set up alongside a 'sister' organisation, Postwatch, an independent watchdog for postal services.

Any purchasing business will be required to retain the universal service of collection and delivery of mail six days a week at affordable prices.

Royal Mail staff are to be offered the remaining 10% shares with the Government to take on the group's pension liabilities.

As part of the plans, the roles fulfilled by Postcomm were absorbed into the communications regulator Ofcom from 1 October 2011.