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
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
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
The conditions for copper retirement in the UK
Ofcom consults on removing Openreach’s copper charge controls where 90% of premises in an exchange area have access to fibre
Slovenia: Four-to-three Telemach/T-2 merger faces in-depth review
Within concentrated markets and with overlapping operations, the competition authority is concerned the deal could risk raising retail prices as well as incentives for coordination
FCC: Deregulating the copper switch-off
The FCC is continuing its ‘Delete, Delete, Delete’ agenda by reducing requirements associated with the copper switch-off that have been deemed overly burdensome
