The UK has proposed light-touch regulation for AI, designed to build trust and drive adoption. As other countries take a harder line, will its flexible approach strike the right balance between promoting innovation and protecting against risk of harm?
Are regulated social tariffs the answer to the cost of living crisis?
With the rising cost of living starting to bite, some regulators have mandated social tariffs for connectivity. However, such plans have often faced the same challenges of low awareness and adoption as the voluntary initiatives put in place by operators
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
Counting the Ukrainian support from European telcos
European telcos have demonstrated remarkable solidarity with Ukrainians. Almost 100 operators have put in place more than 570 support measures with many offering wider humanitarian support beyond just free or discounted connectivity
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
Making the case for mobile consolidation
Operators in Europe have renewed calls for consolidation in mobile. Whilst some regulators and competition authorities might be more receptive than in the past, operators will need to convince them that consolidation really is key to unlocking investment
Improving transparency for broadband customers
Broadband labelling schemes, such as those with traffic light symbols, have become increasingly popular to help with greater transparency and fairness. Designed well, they can promote competition, and encourage take-up of faster speeds among consumers
Telcos set to reduce CO2e emissions by more than 40m tonnes
2021 was the year of sustainability. Telecoms operators announced a flurry of initiatives to reach net-zero ahead of the global deadline of 2050. By doing so, they are set to save more than 40m tonnes of CO2e compared to 2020 levels
The state of net neutrality
The net neutrality debate has been reignited. Developments in the EU, South Korea, UK, and US could lead to changes in how it, and zero rating in particular, is regulated. In the absence of consumer harm, regulators should maintain a flexible approach
