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
Competition in digital markets: Comparing regulatory regimes
Antitrust has done little to deter anti-competitive behaviour by big tech, and so a preference for ex-ante rules has emerged. From market definition through to the appeals process, we assess how these regimes intended to curb the power of big tech compare
Evolving the concept of universal service
As policymakers consider the future funding of the USO, some are exploring potential contributions from large CAPs. This may be one solution to address broadband affordability challenges while ensuring a wider pool of contributors to network investment
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
Fair share: What are the arguments on both sides?
Europe is in the midst of an intense debate over whether content and application providers should contribute to telecoms infrastructure costs. Though the operators’ proposal has found a sympathetic ear, opposing voices have grown louder
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
The UK’s framework for digital markets risks being too broad
The UK Government's new competition regime for digital markets is unique around the world. While its key provisions are mostly tightly focused, some risk causing uncertainty and undermining the proportionality of the regime
More action needed to tackle scams
There has been a significant increase in scams, with losses for some consumers having risen by almost 45%. Regulators are mostly tackling it with information campaigns and working with telecom operators, but legislation has not been forthcoming
From ex-post to ex-ante: the shift in oversight of Big Tech
Fines levied against Big Tech from ex-post competition investigations have totalled more than £14bn since 2017. But competition authorities are now gaining powers to prevent anti-competitive conduct ex-ante, rather than wait to intervene once it’s happened
Telecoms and Big Tech under a Biden administration
The Biden administration is expected to bring significant change for telecoms and Big Tech. Overhauling broadband policy to foster competition and reduce the gap between urban and rural areas, restoring net neutrality rules, and continued restrictions on Chinese equipment vendors all seem likely
