While the funds to deploy broadband across the US are now available, there isn’t yet a clear picture of where they are most needed
Italy sets out an ambitious plan to boost 5G rollout
The Government will take advantage of the European Recovery Fund to help meet its 2026 target to cover areas not served commercially – but will need to get going
Europe’s latest digital competitiveness index
The 2021 results show encouraging progress, but also the need to do more if the EC’s 2030 targets are to be met
ComReg pushes for a faster mobile switching process in Ireland
ComReg is trying to both facilitate more switching, and promote the uptake of eSIMs which remains low in Ireland
A new marketing code for telecoms operators in New Zealand
The Commerce Commission wants operators to be fairer and more transparent, as switching away from copper is posing a challenge for consumers
Portugal’s 5G auction finally comes to an end
After 10 months of bidding, Portugal will become the last major European country to launch 5G. Operators must deploy rapidly if they are to meet the original deadlines for coverage
Germany’s wholesale local access market review
At last, the scope of duct access will be expanded to facilitate fibre deployment, in a country where copper still dominates
The FTC uncovers questionable privacy practices of US telcos
A report from the authority paints a poor picture of how ISPs handle customers’ personal data. To see an improvement, the US would need to thoroughly reform privacy laws
The FCC moves to curb the spread of ‘robotexts’
The FCC could require operators to implement new authentication standards, similar to those recently adopted for robocalls. However, their effectiveness is still unclear
Spain’s new rules for wholesale broadband access
The CNMC scales back fibre access regulation, and allows Telefonica to switch-off its copper network more quickly. Not a surprise, when fibre penetration is so high
