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.
Subsea cables: Mapping the ocean floor
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 funding and resourcing of NRAs
As national regulatory authorities take on new statutory duties across a range of policy areas, their staffing and budgets have diverged. We compare the resourcing and funding of various European NRAs, and consider their capacity to meet their new duties.
Competition issues in tower spin-offs and sales
The push to monetise infrastructure has reduced operators' vertical integration and fuelled the growth of towercos. Given their increased scale and importance, we consider the concerns of competition authorities and the potential impact of regulation.
PSTN switch-off: Public communications and preparedness
As countries prepare for the PSTN switch-off, tensions have risen over whether consumers are ready to make the migration to digital voice. We review the role governments have played in communicating about the switch-off and consider other challenges in readiness
Tackling digital exclusion in the UK: Priorities for a new national strategy
Digital inclusion remains an unfulfilled objective, with certain groups at particular risk of being left behind. With a general election expected this year, we review the areas the next Government should target in order to help close the digital divide
Foreign equity stakes in telecoms
A wave of cross-border investment has seen some operators – directly or indirectly – acquiring shares in their peers. We outline a number of recent developments in the market and in legislation, and consider what's next for foreign investment regulation
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
Consumer readiness for the PSTN switch-off
Regulators have rarely seen the need to intervene in the switch-off of the PSTN, leaving the process and its communication to operators. Only in some countries have they stepped in to protect consumers from service outages in the event of a power cut
The challenge of retiring the copper network
The transition to full-fibre means that copper retirement is now well underway. So far it has rarely been a straightforward or quick process given the strong regulatory oversight and need to protect those consumers who still rely on the copper network
