The fragmented nature of the UK’s fibre market is a barrier to effective network competition becoming established for the long term. With consolidation now necessary, we review the likely approach the CMA would take to three rumoured transactions.

The proliferation of altnets changed the fibre landscape in the UK, compelling the incumbent into action. Consolidation of networks, brands and customers is now on the horizon, which could ultimately lead to a more sustainable and competitive market structure.

With the US Government intending to withhold significant funds under its federal rural broadband expansion programme, the country will gamble with the affordability and longevity of what was billed as a generational investment in connectivity. We tell a cautionary tale for other jurisdictions considering a reshuffle of their public broadband investments.

The fallout of the O2 price rise has seen DSIT ask Ofcom to look at in-contract price rises again in the UK, including a “rapid review” of how easy it is to switch providers. Our research suggests Ofcom has already gone the furthest in Europe, leaving few good options available to the regulator from doing nothing through to banning the practice entirely.

As the saga of banning TikTok in the US has drawn to an apparent close, we reflect on the economic and security-based interests at play. Given these layered motivations, we don’t expect similar divestments of the app are likely to emerge elsewhere in the same way vendor restrictions did in telecoms markets.

In recent years, policymakers in Australia have developed a self-styled reputation for developing a world-leading regulatory playbook for tech and telecoms. So far this effort has had mixed success in challenging the more famous ‘Brussels Effect’ for influence over regulation further afield.

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.