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.
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.
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
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
UK: Support with the cost of living
The telecoms industry has been criticised for raising prices and not doing enough for those in financial hardship. Beyond providing social tariffs, we've identified £300m of initiatives operators have put in place at their own cost to help ease the pain
The international experience with in-contract price rises
A wave of price rises is coming to European telecoms, with many customers soon to face above-inflation increases in their monthly bills. What are these price rises based on, how much they are set to be, and how have they been implemented and communicated?
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
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
Three/Vodafone: What would be the chances of regulatory approval?
Past attempts at 4-to-3 mobile mergers indicate a high bar for approval. Though wholesale competition concerns could be overcome, the risk of price rises for consumers and mid-band spectrum holdings present more of a challenge to getting a deal through
