Despite finding support for fair share, operators are yet to convincingly outline how their proposals can be implemented without undermining the open internet. Showing how that can be achieved in practice is a prerequisite to advancing the debate
European telcos have demonstrated remarkable solidarity with Ukrainians. Almost 100 operators have put in place more than 570 support measures with many offering wider humanitarian support beyond just free or discounted connectivity
The net neutrality debate has been reignited. Developments in the EU, South Korea, UK, and US could lead to changes in how it, and zero rating in particular, is regulated. In the absence of consumer harm, regulators should maintain a flexible approach
Both sides are looking to maintain regulatory alignment with things like data protection set to continue, although Ofcom should be able to regulate with more flexibly. While the roaming regulation no longer applies, there may be sufficient incentives for it to continue
The Biden administration is expected to bring significant change for telecoms and Big Tech. Overhauling broadband policy to foster competition and reduce the gap between urban and rural areas, restoring net neutrality rules, and continued restrictions on Chinese equipment vendors all seem likely
The coronavirus pandemic has changed the way people interact with each other all over the world. Given the essential need for connectivity, regulators and policymakers have been swift to change their priorities and focus on ensuring network resilience and support for consumers. In this note we share some of the measures regulators and policymakers have been taking, along with those of the operators, and identify some of the challenges that lie ahead.
Regulators in Europe have so far generally taken a hands-off approach to operator’s zero-rating practices. Of 20 cases observed by Assembly in the last two years, only three have resulted in a regulator banning the offer.
Regulation around net neutrality has so far focused almost exclusively on internet access services, leaving other links of the value chain unexplored. However the French regulator ARCEP became the first to consider whether devices and operating systems are a weak-link in achieving an open internet.
Indian authorities appear to have fully embraced the stance of a strong oversight towards net neutrality. This started in 2015, with the first public consultations on the issue; continued in 2016, with the explicit ban of zero-rating; and is even more apparent in the recommendations issued by the TRAI on November 28, 2017.
The FCC announced on November 21, 2017 that it will vote on the repeal of its Open Internet Order of 2015, which enshrines the principles of net neutrality. The proposal has been expected since the change in US administration at the start of 2017, and will likely result in a return to the pre-2015 status quo, pulling back the reclassification of broadband as a telecommunications service.
