European operators struck a notably more optimistic tone on regulation and consolidation in Q1 2026, with several executives welcoming the EC’s draft merger guidelines as a potential turning point for the sector
Event debrief: ISPA ISP Summit 2026
The proposed nexfibre/Netomnia transaction took centre stage, as panellists debated network overlaps, the deal’s potential impact on competition and whether it warrants an in-depth review
Event debrief: POLITICO’s AI & Tech Week 2026
Concerns over the AI Omnibus, Europe’s lack of digital sovereignty, and online safety dominated discussions ahead of the EC’s proposal for a Cloud and AI Development Act
Event debrief: Upholding consumers' digital rights in the Omnibus era
Consumer champions do not buy the EC’s argument that simplification would strengthen levels of data protection
Revising South Africa's Electronic Communications Act
Amendments to the 20-year old framework prioritise ensuring the efficient use of spectrum while promoting growth in the nascent MVNO market
Loosening the regulatory grip on AI
Plans to regulate AI are increasingly being rolled back as policymakers look to avoid any strict guardrails that could hinder AI development
BNetzA announces new rules for proving reduced mobile performance
BNetzA’s new rules allow customers to pay less or terminate their contracts early if they experience significant deviations in mobile speed
FCC: Ensuring efficient management of the Universal Service Fund
The regulator’s targeted consultation launches ahead of much broader expected proposals from US politicians to reform the delivery of public subsidy programmes
Extending sub-3GHz spectrum licences in Malta
The MCA’s proposal for expiring bands aims to help operators navigate technological shifts while pre-empting forthcoming EU regulation
Australia: ACMA set to enforce its own consumer protection code
Despite the success of some ‘world-first’ industry-led initiatives, ACMA’s decision reflects calls for more direct regulation of the telecoms sector
