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Communications Markets
Bart Smallman, Analyst
Enabling an efficient and inclusive 2G ...

Many operators are yet to complete their 2G retirements, leaving cost efficiencies and economic benefits unrealised. Given the risks to the continuity of vital services, industry and policymakers must collaborate to balance ensuring a timely process with effective consumer protection.

Enabling an efficient and inclusive 2G switch-off

The state of net neutrality

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

The challenge of retiring the copper network

The transition to full-fibre means that copper retirement is now well underway. So far it has rarely been a straightforward or quick process given the strong regulatory oversight and need to protect those consumers who still rely on the copper network

Regulators diverge on their approach to the 3.4–3.8GHz band

Awards in the band vary widely in terms of prices paid and conditions attached with rollout obligations too burdensome in some cases. It is too early to assess the approach to private networks but most regulators may not be doing enough to facilitate them

The challenges of phasing out 2G and 3G

The case for switching off 2G and 3G networks is becoming more compelling. Experiences from where it’s happened show that operators should plan well in advance and communicate extensively with customers to minimise possible disruption

From ex-post to ex-ante: the shift in oversight of Big Tech

Fines levied against Big Tech from ex-post competition investigations have totalled more than £14bn since 2017. But competition authorities are now gaining powers to prevent anti-competitive conduct ex-ante, rather than wait to intervene once it’s happened

The future’s bright, the future’s green

Telecoms operators have meaningfully embraced sustainability, with many having set targets even more ambitious than the net zero by 2050 aims. Regulators are paying attention too with ARCEP making environmental issues ‘the next chapter in regulation'

Why Mexico’s telecoms regulator should stay as it is

The future of Mexico's telecoms regulator is at risk. While great progress has been made, there is still more work to do. To be effective in its endeavours, the IFT needs to be able to continue down the path it has set, and with its independence intact