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.
The EC is considering rolling back regulation on the sector, particularly ex-ante rules that often apply to former incumbent operators. We consider whether this deregulatory push is part of a wider global trend.
The subsea cable sector has undergone a significant transformation with growing investments from big tech firms. In the first of a series of reports, we detail the changes in cable ownership and manufacturing and consider concerns with cable resilience in this context.
The report details the application of ex-ante economic regulation to subsea infrastructure, expanding the contexts in which these cables have been discussed in recent months
With the new framework set to incur significant costs, the CMA has proposed that SMS firms shoulder the burden equally
Ofcom is aiming to support innovative applications of AI across communications markets, shifting its approach that had largely focused on understanding the technology's risks
While the Online Safety Act was praised, any prospects for AI regulation felt like a distant memory in a programme dominated by public investment in tech infrastructure and skills
Ahead of Denmark taking on the Presidency of the Council of the EU, lobbying has begun to ensure the Digital Networks Act is passed and crucially answers the pleas of the industry
The NTIA will require states to evaluate projects on a technologically neutral basis, which could prevent rural areas from accessing fibre
Beyond its focus on building the ‘Eurostack’, the ITRE Committee strike a middle ground in aligning with some but not all recommendations for the Digital Networks Act
While the EU’s platforms rulebook was generally deemed successful, future directions on AI and telecoms regulation remain contentious and uncertain
The regulator’s property rating system seeks to incentivise investment in improving indoor 4G and 5G connectivity, which lags behind recent advances in outdoor mobile coverage
The Government has maintained its plans to meet the EU’s Digital Decade targets while providing a wider strategy for the future digitisation of Sweden
While driving consumer uptake of suitable broadband will be a challenge, the switch-off of DTT in 2034 could present a unique context to bring longtime excluded consumers online
The Government urges stronger regulation and effective competition, considering that the European framework should be seen as a success
Also in the Briefing: The evolution of the EU’s DNA, and reviewing merger guidelines
Also in the Briefing: Telefónica's Digital Public Policy Playbook
Also in the Briefing: POLITICO/Google event on ‘Navigating the Cloud’, and scams policy in Australia
Also in the briefing: The fairness agenda, and the energy demands of digital infrastructure
Also in the briefing: Life after inflation-linked mid-contract price rises, and adding sustainability to the regulatory mandate
Also in the briefing: Responses to the EC’s connectivity White Paper
Ex-Ante Regulation benchmark updated to reflect the passage of the Law on Digital Technology Industry in Vietnam
Ex-ante Investigations benchmark updated to include the EC’s issuing of preliminary findings to AliExpress, which it has found to be in breach of the DSA
National Broadband Plans benchmark updated to reflect the change in the UK’s gigabit broadband target to 2032
Vendor restrictions benchmark updated to include the US-funded removal of Huawei equipment from telecoms networks in Panama
Fines Issued by DPAs benchmark updated to include the fine issued by the BfDI in Germany to Vodafone over data protection and security breaches
2G/3G Switch-off benchmark updated with changes to network retirement plans by Nkom in Norway and MTN in South Africa
Protection Against Nuisance Calls and Texts benchmark updated to include TRAI’s introduction of caller ID obligations for operators in India
Low-Band Awards benchmark updated to include the results of the 700/800MHz auction in Poland
Sustainability Targets benchmark updated to include the Digital Connectivity Forum’s initiative on limiting supply chain emissions in the UK
Updated to include Arcep’s deregulation of the wholesale central access market in France
Legislative Frameworks benchmark updated to reflect the FCC’s adoption of rules to protect net neutrality in the US
Featured Tracker Updates
National Broadband Plans benchmark updated to reflect the change in the UK’s gigabit broadband target to 2032
Fines Issued by DPAs benchmark updated to include the €530m (£450m) penalty imposed on TikTok for infringements of the GDPR
Protection Against Nuisance Calls and Texts benchmark expanded to include information on SMS sender ID registries and other SMS scams interventions
Digital Tax Initiatives benchmark expanded to include Brazil, Colombia and New Zealand