While not seen as significant as a parallel review being conducted by DCMS, it will set the tone for an important next phase
5G and sustainability
The French regulator has shone a light on energy consumption of 5G networks and environmentally friendly approaches to using the 26GHz band
US operators face obstacles in using the C-Band for 5G
Safety concerns raised by the aviation industry are delaying Verizon & AT&T’s deployments after these operators collectively paid $70bn to use the spectrum
UK competition authority could block the sale of Three’s towers to Cellnex
UK competition authority accuses Apple and Google of operating a duopoly
The CMA’s findings are consistent with findings elsewhere, however the UK could be the first to put in place ex-ante rules to address them
The EU’s roaming regulation extended until 2032
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
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
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