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.
Deregulating telecoms
The race to net zero: The role of policymakers
As operators work to limit their environmental impact, some regulators are actively supporting sustainability efforts, while others seem relatively less engaged. We outline tangible steps they could be taking to help reduce the industry’s carbon footprint
Fair share: Can it coexist with net neutrality?
Despite finding support for fair share, operators are yet to convincingly outline how their proposals can be implemented without undermining the open internet. Showing how that can be achieved in practice is a prerequisite to advancing the debate
Fair share: What are the arguments on both sides?
Europe is in the midst of an intense debate over whether content and application providers should contribute to telecoms infrastructure costs. Though the operators’ proposal has found a sympathetic ear, opposing voices have grown louder
Telecoms versus tech: Who should bear the cost of deploying infrastructure?
Amid rising traffic levels and investment requirements, telcos want tech firms to contribute to network costs. While tech firms claim telcos have failed to monetise their customers, the ‘fair contribution’ concept has grabbed the attention of policymakers
The state of net neutrality
The net neutrality debate has been reignited. Developments in the EU, South Korea, UK, and US could lead to changes in how it, and zero rating in particular, is regulated. In the absence of consumer harm, regulators should maintain a flexible approach
The future’s bright, the future’s green
Telecoms operators have meaningfully embraced sustainability, with many having set targets even more ambitious than the net zero by 2050 aims. Regulators are paying attention too with ARCEP making environmental issues ‘the next chapter in regulation'
What Brexit means for UK telecoms
Both sides are looking to maintain regulatory alignment with things like data protection set to continue, although Ofcom should be able to regulate with more flexibly. While the roaming regulation no longer applies, there may be sufficient incentives for it to continue
European regulators are taking a hands-off approach to zero-rating
Regulators in Europe have so far generally taken a hands-off approach to operator’s zero-rating practices. Of 20 cases observed by Assembly in the last two years, only three have resulted in a regulator banning the offer.
BEREC on wholesale access, roaming, and net neutrality
In the second plenary meeting of the year, which took place on 12–14 June in Ghent, Belgium – BEREC launched four new consultations to develop guidelines across a range of topics. Other significant developments included the adoption of a document on the response to the European Commission for the review of the Recommendation on Relevant Markets.
