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Spectrum

Statement of Strategic Priorities for Ofcom: Mobile and Spectrum

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.

Three/Vodafone: A pathway to approval

Despite identifying competition concerns, the CMA has outlined a set of remedies that could lead to approval of the merger. In doing so it would transform the UK’s mobile market while helping to deliver government ambitions for connectivity and economic growth.

Remedies in four-to-three mobile mergers

With renewed calls for in-market consolidation and pending transactions in two European countries, it is timely to revisit previous merger review decisions. We’ve analysed the commitments in four deals and considered the impacts they had on the market

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

Drones: How policymakers can help the market take off

While the use of drones has proliferated, this emerging technology is yet to reach its inflection point. Regulation has a vital role to play in shaping future innovation and growth, ensuring safety and security, and crucially cementing public acceptance

Regulators diverge on their approach to the 3.4–3.8GHz band

Awards in the band vary widely in terms of prices paid and conditions attached with rollout obligations too burdensome in some cases. It is too early to assess the approach to private networks but most regulators may not be doing enough to facilitate them

The challenges of phasing out 2G and 3G

The case for switching off 2G and 3G networks is becoming more compelling. Experiences from where it’s happened show that operators should plan well in advance and communicate extensively with customers to minimise possible disruption

Why Mexico’s telecoms regulator should stay as it is

The future of Mexico's telecoms regulator is at risk. While great progress has been made, there is still more work to do. To be effective in its endeavours, the IFT needs to be able to continue down the path it has set, and with its independence intact

What will be keeping regulators busy in 2020?

As we start 2020, we look ahead to the key issues regulators and policymakers will grapple with over the coming 12 months. We consider four broad areas: the first year of work for the new European Commission; the development of 5G (with regard to spectrum awards and network security); broadband policy and roll-out; and the approach to regulating platforms and big tech.

Germany’s 5G auction comes to a bitter end

After nearly three months of bidding, the multi-band auction of 5G spectrum in Germany across the 2GHz and 3.6GHz bands has come to an end. The length of the auction resulted in a high price (€6.5bn), especially considering the award did not include sub-1GHz frequencies.