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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 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.

Double-dipping in the moderation of Meta

Double-dipping in the moderation of Meta

In the last eight months, regulators in Europe have launched action against Meta in four different policy areas. We argue this approach is the result of the predictable and continued reality of regulating perverse incentives in the digital economy.

The use of AI by regulators

The use of AI by regulators

As well as regulating AI, policymakers themselves are using it as part of their day-to-day work from document review to spectrum management. So far most have been slow to do so and remain cautious. International guidelines for the use of AI in the public sector could change that.

Age assurance: An imperfect science and solution

Age assurance: An imperfect science and solution

Age assurance engages the familiar trade-off in online safety regulation between protecting children and guarding privacy rights. As appetite grows for restrictions on access to digital services, we examine existing methods, regulatory approaches, and wider debate.

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.

Statement of Strategic Priorities for Ofcom: Mobile and Spectrum

Statement of Strategic Priorities for Ofcom: Mobile and Spectrum

UK mobile operators continue to invest and deliver good consumer outcomes, but face persistent challenges around monetisation and increased political pressure. Here we share views on what the Government should consider including in the new SSP.

Deregulating telecoms

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.

Subsea cables: Mapping the ocean floor

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.

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.

Statement of Strategic Priorities for Ofcom: Fixed Telecoms

Statement of Strategic Priorities for Ofcom: Fixed Telecoms

The UK fixed telecoms sector has developed positively since the last SSP in 2019, with expanded full fibre coverage, significant network investment and various interventions to protect consumers. Here we share views on what the Government should consider including in the new SSP.