Value for money for consumers remains a clear EU strength, while operators’ financial health does not warrant ripping up sector-specific or merger control regulation
Event debrief: FT/Connect Europe Forum 2026
With the DNA, CSA2 and revised merger guidelines at or approaching critical stages in their development, operators and policymakers were equally clear on the level of fine tuning that still needs to take place
The conditions for spectrum renewal in Czechia
The CTU is offering 20-year licence extensions in exchange for operators tackling white spots and ensuring networks remain resilient during crisis situations
Ofcom’s revised guidance on network resilience
The regulator’s long-awaited update takes a preventative approach to service disruption, outlining its expectations for battery backup in fixed and mobile networks
ANACOM’s recommendations on network resilience and consumer protection
The regulator has outlined measures for operators and the Portuguese Government to implement, while highlighting the role of spectrum management in mitigating the impacts of outages
Portugal: Market restructuring after a failed attempt at consolidation
The combination of the country’s fourth operator (Nowo) and a new entrant (Digi) may be an opportunity to intensify competition facing the ‘big three’ providers
Portugal: Vodafone/Nowo merger blocked
Despite being in line with the preliminary view, there is still a chance the AdC’s decision could be appealed directly to the Minister of Economy, although this mechanism has only been invoked (successfully) once before
Duct and pole access pricing in Germany
For the first time, BNetzA’s wholesale charge controls for PIA will take into account Deutsche Telekom’s investment in the rollout of full fibre
ANACOM takes on automated data charges
The regulator’s draft decision follows on a consistent record of consumer protection efforts related to price rises and social tariffs
M&A: Latest developments in Europe
While an in-market mobile merger in France appears likely, consolidation in Portugal’s fixed broadband market is facing strong opposition
