The ACCC will not stand in the way of Optus and TPG’s mobile network and spectrum sharing despite blocking a similar agreement between Telstra and TPG
Competition and MVNOs in France
Bouygues Telecom’s takeover of La Poste Telecom reduces the size of the country’s MVNO market, but the regulator found no risk of harm to competition
Australia: A delay to the 3G switch-off
3G devices as well as older 4G-compatible handsets could lose access to the emergency services, with the Government urging action from consumers to help complete the process
Nigeria: Operators required to overhaul retail tariffs
In comparison to its interventionist approach to regulating the terms of tariffs, the NCC adopted scaled-back versions of advertising rules in place around the world
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
Germany’s Gigabit Offensive
Despite more public funding and new legislation to accelerate network deployments, the Government has been accused of prioritising mobile connectivity over fibre
Growing second-hand device markets
While limited supply of devices continues to slow growth for resale markets, operators and regulators have also looked to improving the longevity of devices
Declining returns on investment
Findings from the PTS in Sweden contradict some of those drawn by the EC, challenging the idea that the US telecoms market is a much more profitable place to invest
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
Germany: Long-awaited restrictions on Huawei and ZTE
Mobile operators have agreed to phase out the firms from their 5G networks, with almost 20 other countries already having imposed restrictions on equipment vendors
