Though the statement was meant to signal consistency, regulators in each of these countries face an inflection point in their approach to regulating AI
Spectrum: Annual licence fees to be reviewed in the UK
While Ofcom will only review the amount charged rather than the regime itself, the EU is considering broader changes to spectrum management practices
Fines for failing fraud protections
As some regulators place a greater emphasis on facilitating switching between providers, protections against SIM swapping and similar scams will be all the more important
UK: Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 extend network sharing agreement
Together with a balancing of spectrum across industry, the announcement boosts the chances of a Three/Vodafone merger
US: FCC proposes a ban on phone locking
The US would join only a handful of other countries that have pursued a ban on SIM locking to encourage greater competition at the retail level
Event debrief: EC Workshop on Competition in Virtual Worlds and Generative AI
Even as panellists defended the importance of partnerships to competition in AI markets, the EC hinted at a deepening scrutiny of deals involving large tech firms
Tech and telecoms under a Labour Government
A quick implementation of online safety rules, strengthening the framework for AI and reforms to the planning system are likely to take priority over changes to connectivity policy
Event debrief: ISPA ISP Business Summit 2024
Consolidation and the ‘right number’ of fibre networks dominated discussions, with the ultimate survival of some altnets the elephant in the room
Restricting smartphones and social media for children
As political leaders debate banning the use of phones and platforms, tensions between teaching digital skills and ensuring safety online may be set to rise
Three/Vodafone in the UK: The merging parties’ case to the CMA
Responding to the CMA’s critical Phase 1 assessment, the parties emphasise that the deal will be pro-competitive, enhancing network performance and benefiting consumers
