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Italy

In-contract price rises: A storm in a teacup

In-contract price rises: A storm in a teacup

The fallout of the O2 price rise has seen DSIT ask Ofcom to look at in-contract price rises again in the UK, including a “rapid review” of how easy it is to switch providers. Our research suggests Ofcom has already gone the furthest in Europe, leaving few good options available to the regulator from doing nothing through to banning the practice entirely.

Ownership structures in European telecoms

Ownership structures in European telecoms

A trend in cross-border investment in the telecoms sector continues to play out, with operators, financial institutions and governments all contributing to developments. We explore the motivations behind recent deals and the factors that will influence whether further transactions are on the horizon.

The funding and resourcing of NRAs

The funding and resourcing of NRAs

As regulators take on similar new statutory duties for online safety, the staff and budgets at their disposal vary greatly. Despite not benefiting from the EC, we find Ofcom to be as equipped, if not more so, when compared to its European counterparts.

Subsea cables: Charting the regulatory tides

Subsea cables: Charting the regulatory tides

Given the growing influence of big tech firms in subsea cable investment , governments are intent on regulating underwater infrastructure for a modern world. In the second of a series of reports, we outline the existing subsea cable regulatory toolbox and suggest points of focus for new policy interventions.

Three/Vodafone: A pathway to approval

Three/Vodafone: A pathway to approval

Despite identifying competition concerns, the CMA has outlined a set of remedies that could lead to approval of the merger. In doing so it would transform the UK’s mobile market while helping to deliver government ambitions for connectivity and economic growth.

Is it time to regulate SMS termination?

Despite previously finding there was no case to answer for, in the UK, Ofcom is considering whether it should change its approach. Looking elsewhere suggests that imposing regulation in this market may not be in the long-term interests of end users.

Competition issues in tower spin-offs and sales

The push to monetise infrastructure has reduced operators' vertical integration and fuelled the growth of towercos. Given their increased scale and importance, we consider the concerns of competition authorities and the potential impact of regulation.

Unpacking broadband advertising rules

Broadband labelling and advertising rules bring greater transparency for consumers when comparing tariffs and choosing a service. We compare common elements of labelling schemes around the world and consider their relationship to competition in the market

Foreign equity stakes in telecoms

A wave of cross-border investment has seen some operators – directly or indirectly – acquiring shares in their peers. We outline a number of recent developments in the market and in legislation, and consider what's next for foreign investment regulation

Remedies in four-to-three mobile mergers

With renewed calls for in-market consolidation and pending transactions in two European countries, it is timely to revisit previous merger review decisions. We’ve analysed the commitments in four deals and considered the impacts they had on the market