October 2024
A roundup of research published in the last month
Deregulating telecoms
The EC is considering rolling back regulation on the sector, particularly ex-ante rules that often apply to former incumbent operators. We consider whether this deregulatory push is part of a wider global trend.
Analyst Notes
Subsea cables: Mapping the ocean floor
The subsea cable sector has undergone a significant transformation with growing investments from big tech firms. In the first of a series of reports, we detail the changes in cable ownership and manufacturing and consider concerns with cable resilience in this context.
Ofcom's Telecoms Access Review
With the market review in full swing ahead of a formal consultation in Q1 2025, we assess the regulator's focus areas, asks from stakeholders and expected points of contention. We also consider whether lessons can be learnt from already completed market reviews elsewhere in Europe.
Mandating battery back-up
With Ofcom and the UK Government considering expanding battery back-up requirements in the fixed network, we investigate whether these proposed obligations on operators align with international approaches and consider other regulatory interventions to improve network resilience.
Arcep advances regulation of the cloud market
The regulator found that data transfers related to switching providers create no additional cost for cloud providers, meaning no fee for data transfers can be charged to consumers.
UK Data Bill: Unlocking secure and effective use
The Labour Government picks up where its predecessor left off, aiming to harness the power of data for public benefit and modernise the UK’s data protection regime.
Strengthening broadband advertising rules in New Zealand
The Commerce Commission identifies cause for further intervention to boost transparency from operators and simplify consumers’ contract exit rights.
Italy’s fixed access market review
AGCOM’s second market analysis of the year seeks to account for a major change in ownership of the country’s broadband infrastructure.
Digging into data caps in the US
The regulator’s inquiry represents yet another front on which its legal authority is challenged after pushback on its interventionist, pro-consumer agenda.
A call to action on digital inclusion
The report issues a familiar ask for an updated national strategy from government while positioning digital inclusion as a priority within a broader story of economic growth.
Ofcom’s positive vision for media literacy
The UK’s first multi-year strategy in two decades aims to tackle the rising problems of mis/disinformation and harms online, while boosting digital skills.
CRTC urges action on roaming charges in Canada
The regulator has threatened large mobile operators with a formal public investigation if sufficient progress is not made within a month.
South Korea recalibrates its approach to digital markets
The KFTC’s newly softened stance on regulating the conduct of big tech firms marks South Korea’s fourth attempt to address competition issues in the digital economy.
Event debrief: UKTIN Telecoms Commercialisation & Network Economics
Telecoms is recognised as a tough sector to be in, with high capex requirements, minimal returns and limited attraction for investors.
Three/Vodafone in the UK: Responses to the notice of possible remedies
With varying support for an investment commitment, there are concerns that behavioural measures might not address the competition issues identified by the CMA.
Australia introduces comprehensive scams legislation
Though the Government initially plans to introduce obligations for the tech, telecoms and banking sectors, the legislation is intended as an eventual whole of economy reform.
Reforming rights of way permission in India
New rules build on previous efforts to facilitate telecoms network deployments, although industry remains frustrated by a lack of regulation on content and application providers.
EU: Google’s cloud complaint against Microsoft
The showdown between tech firms finds Google advocating greater openness in digital markets, despite its alleged abuse of dominance elsewhere.
Regulating the Metaverse in Japan
With a focus on safety, security and privacy, the Government’s consultation on principles for the Metaverse reflect concerns identified elsewhere.
Consolidating the fibre market in the US
A tie-up with Frontier could provide a much-needed boost to Verizon’s fibre proposition without giving rise to any major competition concerns.
Ensuring Apple’s compliance with the DMA
While the EC is seeking constructive dialogue with Apple, its enforcement of digital markets rules looks unlikely to soften with the arrival of new Commissioners.
Event debrief: Europe’s digital independence and the role of connectivity
As support for tech investment and sovereignty grows, there is a reminder that long-heard calls for regulatory reforms have not yet been answered.
Platforms and Big Tech Tracker
Updated to include the KFTC’s fine against Booking.com for its misleading advertising practices.
Mobile Telecoms Tracker
Updated to reflect One New Zealand’s decision to delay its 3G switch-off by 9 months to the end of 2025.
Privacy and Data Protection Tracker
Updated to include the fine imposed by the Irish Data Protection Commission on LinkedIn for breaches of the GDPR.
AI Tracker
Updated to reflect the CMA’s decision to launch a Phase 1 inquiry into the partnership between Google and Anthropic.
Broadband and USO Tracker
Updated to include details of the universal service obligation in India, Japan, Malta and South Korea.
Consumer Protection Tracker
Updated to include Anatel's latest efforts to combat unwanted and fraudulent phone calls in Brazil.