Regulators have done extensive work to facilitate consumers’ ability to switch providers, to foster competition and consumer benefit. Yet switching is still seen as a pain point in some countries. In recent months, initiatives to help customers become proactive in choosing a new contract have taken place in the UK, Japan, and Germany.
The FTC has been the toughest on Facebook so far, but it may not be enough
The fine approved by the FTC against Facebook on 24 July 2019 amounts to almost $5bn. It is far higher than any fine issued in the EU under GDPR so far, and could have been even higher, with Mark Zuckerberg also held personally accountable for the company’s conduct.
BEREC on wholesale access, roaming, and net neutrality
In the second plenary meeting of the year, which took place on 12–14 June in Ghent, Belgium – BEREC launched four new consultations to develop guidelines across a range of topics. Other significant developments included the adoption of a document on the response to the European Commission for the review of the Recommendation on Relevant Markets.
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.
Countries around the world are going their own way on digital tax
Since the end of 2018, several governments around the world have put forward proposals for the introduction of a digital service tax in their respective countries. As digital services change the nature of business, governments see the tax as a way to overcome the challenges that these digital businesses create for the international corporate tax system.
UK Government aims to lead efforts in tackling online harm
The UK Government recently published a white paper with a broad set of proposals to tackle online harm. These include a new regulatory framework, to establish a duty of care for online companies for the first time, and the set-up of a specific regulator to enforce the new rules.
Ofcom changes approach to regulating fixed telecoms markets
On 29 March 2019, the UK regulator Ofcom set out its initial approach for the next Fixed Telecoms Market Review, which will cover the years 2021–25; for the first time, a market analysis will have a time frame longer than three-years. Ofcom’s main objective is to ensure competition continues to develop, while at the same time supporting the recent surge in fibre investment.
EC hints at the need for a wholesale physical infrastructure access market
The European Commission is currently seeking input on the review of its Recommendation on relevant markets, which has to be completed by the end of 2020 to comply with a provision of the Electronic Communications Code. While at this stage the EC is not setting out what that will look like, it is likely that some markets will be removed from the list of those subject to ex-ante regulation.
Even a more privacy-focused Facebook will face regulatory hurdles
The note published by Mark Zuckerberg on 6 March 2019 sets out the new approach Facebook aims to take for its communications services. It will be more focused on privacy and less on public sharing compared to the past, reflecting on new demands of the market and taking on board some of the lessons of the past.
Policymakers seek reassurances over 5G cybersecurity concerns
As the issue of security in 5G networks gains momentum, policymakers around the world are taking contrasting approaches. Concerns around the use of Chinese vendors is resulting in outright bans in some countries (US, Australia, New Zealand), whereas others are yet to take a definite stance, such as the UK whose government is finalising a review of the telecoms supply chain.
