One of the EU’s biggest success stories will continue. For it to function well, travel patterns will need to resume to pre-pandemic levels
UK Government announces 2G and 3G phase-out by 2033
While sunsets are expected to occur sooner than then, experience shows operators will still face challenges in migrating some customers away from older technologies
Norway sets stronger safeguards for Telenor’s copper retirement
Nkom has asked Telenor to provide better information about its retirement plans, and ensure adequate alternative wholesale products are available
Belgium eyes the entry of a fourth mobile operator in the market
The Government has reserved spectrum for a new entrant in the upcoming 5G auction, but the arrival of a new nationwide operator seems unlikely
OFCOM cuts annual spectrum licence fees in Switzerland
OFCOM will adopt a degressive model to calculate spectrum fees, recognising that the current model is not fit for purpose
TPG wants to enhance the functional separation of its fixed network in Australia
Recent changes to the Australian Telecommunications Act allow for more competition between the NBN and other networks
Biden signs off the $65bn US broadband plan
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
