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
Regulating AI: How does the UK’s approach stack up?
The UK has proposed light-touch regulation for AI, designed to build trust and drive adoption. As other countries take a harder line, will its flexible approach strike the right balance between promoting innovation and protecting against risk of harm?
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
Making the case for mobile consolidation
Operators in Europe have renewed calls for consolidation in mobile. Whilst some regulators and competition authorities might be more receptive than in the past, operators will need to convince them that consolidation really is key to unlocking investment
Improving transparency for broadband customers
Broadband labelling schemes, such as those with traffic light symbols, have become increasingly popular to help with greater transparency and fairness. Designed well, they can promote competition, and encourage take-up of faster speeds among consumers
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 UK’s framework for digital markets risks being too broad
The UK Government's new competition regime for digital markets is unique around the world. While its key provisions are mostly tightly focused, some risk causing uncertainty and undermining the proportionality of the regime
From ex-post to ex-ante: the shift in oversight of Big Tech
Fines levied against Big Tech from ex-post competition investigations have totalled more than £14bn since 2017. But competition authorities are now gaining powers to prevent anti-competitive conduct ex-ante, rather than wait to intervene once it’s happened
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'
