Ofcom’s proposals update rather than overhaul its approach to calculating charges for the use of spectrum, but nonetheless represent a win for industry
Event debrief: Connected Britain 2024, Day 1
Amid ranging assessments of the future of the altnet market, panellists also made numerous asks of the new Government, from AI to infrastructure
UK: Vodafone and Virgin Media O2 extend network sharing agreement
Together with a balancing of spectrum across industry, the announcement boosts the chances of a Three/Vodafone merger
Three/Vodafone in the UK: The merging parties’ case to the CMA
Responding to the CMA’s critical Phase 1 assessment, the parties emphasise that the deal will be pro-competitive, enhancing network performance and benefiting consumers
Event debrief: Connected North 2024
Adoption, consolidation and regulation dominated discussions at this year’s event, with tensions already running high heading into the Telecoms Access Review
UK Parliament: Three-Vodafone merger and implications for competition
The potential for constituents’ bills to increase appears to be of primary interest to MPs, with concerns also about the effects on investment and employment
The end of free roaming in Europe?
Falling roaming revenues as a result of COVID-19 have brought forward the inevitable return of some roaming charges in Europe for UK travellers
UK completes auction of 700MHz and 3.6-3.8GHz
The contiguous spectrum holdings should facilitate efficient use of spectrum and lower deployment costs
Ofcom's 700MHz and 3.6–3.8GHz auction raises £1.36bn
Operators got a good deal for the 700MHz spectrum – but may still have to pay more for the 3.6–3.8GHz airwaves depending on the next phase
UK operators expand 5G footprint but a common approach to defining coverage is still missing
EE and O2 have announced further 5G coverage in towns and cities, but so far only EE has disclosed the criteria it uses to consider a location covered.
