A trend in cross-border investment in the telecoms sector continues to play out, with operators, financial institutions and governments all contributing to developments. We explore the motivations behind recent deals and the factors that will influence whether further transactions are on the horizon.

Policymakers have called for pro-growth regulation, but what should this look like in practice for the telecoms sector? We analyse past approaches and consider if and/or how they might be reframed and reapplied for modern times through government interventions or regulatory reforms.

Regulators will play a vital role in enabling D2D, but many are playing catch up. Authorisation regimes will need to prioritise licensing as well as spectrum and interference management if these new services are to finally help close the digital divide.

With fibre investment and coverage since the last review surpassing expectations, Ofcom is now keen to effect the second half of a 10-year framework, keeping Openreach honest while enabling scaled fibre network competition to materialise and ultimately be sustainable in the long-run.

This year Ofcom begins its enforcement of the Online Safety Act – legislation that is unique in both its depth and flexibility. These two characteristics will also make the success of the framework ultimately dependent on the capability and capacity of the regulator charged with its implementation.

Regulation for AI has typically not addressed the copyright issues that arise from the training and development of models. Greater legislative clarity and balance is needed to offer stronger protections than currently available for creators while still supporting the growth of AI.

With Brendan Carr set to take over the reins at the FCC, the regulator is expected to roll back red tape and prioritise global spectrum leadership. While we expect sweeping changes in consumer protection and net neutrality, Carr’s influence on broadband funding and tech regulation will be more limited.

In the last eight months, regulators in Europe have launched action against Meta in four different policy areas. We argue this approach is the result of the predictable and continued reality of regulating perverse incentives in the digital economy.

As well as regulating AI, policymakers themselves are using it as part of their day-to-day work from document review to spectrum management. So far most have been slow to do so and remain cautious. International guidelines for the use of AI in the public sector could change that.

Age assurance engages the familiar trade-off in online safety regulation between protecting children and guarding privacy rights. As appetite grows for restrictions on access to digital services, we examine existing methods, regulatory approaches, and wider debate.

Given the growing influence of big tech firms in subsea cable investment , governments are intent on regulating underwater infrastructure for a modern world. In the second of a series of reports, we outline the existing subsea cable regulatory toolbox and suggest points of focus for new policy interventions.

UK mobile operators continue to invest and deliver good consumer outcomes, but face persistent challenges around monetisation and increased political pressure. Here we share views on what the Government should consider including in the new SSP.