With fibre investment and coverage since the last review surpassing expectations, Ofcom is now keen to effect the second half of a 10-year framework, keeping Openreach honest while enabling scaled fibre network competition to materialise and ultimately be sustainable in the long-run.
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.
Deregulating telecoms
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.
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.
Statement of Strategic Priorities for Ofcom: Fixed Telecoms
The UK fixed telecoms sector has developed positively since the last SSP in 2019, with expanded full fibre coverage, significant network investment and various interventions to protect consumers. Here we share views on what the Government should consider including in the new SSP.
Is it time to regulate SMS termination?
Despite previously finding there was no case to answer for, in the UK, Ofcom is considering whether it should change its approach. Looking elsewhere suggests that imposing regulation in this market may not be in the long-term interests of end users.
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
The Metaverse: Preparing for the future digital reality
While the initial hype surrounding the Metaverse may have given way to AI, development of its technological foundations continues. In light of the potential implications for policymakers, we've identified six areas where their attention should be focused
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
