Long-standing relationships have left some operators particularly exposed to the cost of vendor restrictions, with most governments so far disinclined to offer support
Italy: AGCOM to limit the use of inflation-based price rises
Restrictions on tariff increases would hit TIM the hardest, with the operator having already announced plans to implement a CPI+3.5% uplift
Czech Republic: EC vetoes proposals to regulate wholesale mobile access
Despite the market no longer warranting ex ante regulation, the CTU had found the largest operators collectively dominant and sought to impose remedies
Spain: Orange/MasMovil JV heads for Phase II review
The impacts on competition, potential for higher prices and the EC’s preference for cross-border mergers all present a significant regulatory hurdle
ISPA: Parliament & Internet conference 2023
Industry backs Ofcom’s net neutrality proposals, but wants long-term certainty on fibre regulation to bolster the investment case
ETNO/POLITICO: ‘Telecoms drumbeat for the future of connectivity’
European regulators stressed that no decision on a ‘fair contribution’ had yet been made, with all options still on the table – except for changes to net neutrality rules
Orange/VOO deal sparks telecoms restructuring in Belgium
A network access commitment secured the EC’s approval in Phase II, but further in-market consolidation now depends on the national competition authority
The FCC’s satellite-to-smartphone regulation
Off the back of several new partnerships, the framework aims to facilitate further collaboration between satellite providers and mobile operators
CNMC approves energy-driven increases to wholesale charges in Spain
The decision helps better align Telefónica’s colocation prices with its costs, although the CNMC pushed back against retroactive adjustments to historic charges
Competition authority dismisses claims of price collusion in Croatia
While the evidence didn’t show anti-competitive practices, price increases for telecoms services have proved contentious, particularly if poorly communicated