Consolidation and the ‘right number’ of fibre networks dominated discussions, with the ultimate survival of some altnets the elephant in the room
Foreign investment in telecoms: The first test of the EC’s Foreign Subsidies Regulation
The EC launches its inaugural investigation under new anti-subsidy rules as e&’s investments raise national security concerns among European governments
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
Three/Vodafone in the UK: The rivals’ views on the proposed merger
The pressure is on for the merging parties to evidence the benefits of the deal and outline a meaningful set of commitments
Germany: Spectrum licence renewal rather than revocation and reallocation
While BNetzA has changed tack in its approach to the assignment of key bands, neither established mobile operators nor the new entrant are fully on side
UK: CMA set for Phase II review of Three/Vodafone merger
Despite competition concerns at the both the retail and wholesale levels, there’s still the possibility commitments could be agreed that get the deal the green light
Event debrief: GSMA’s New Rules for a New Era
While panellists largely agreed on the challenges facing the sector, proposed solutions in competition policy and spectrum licensing brought disagreement
Event debrief: Priorities for broadband and mobile connectivity in the UK
Ofcom received praise for supporting network investment, but further interventions will be needed to connect remote areas lacking commercial incentives
Event debrief: ECTA’s manifesto for Europe
The event provided a good opportunity to hear from Europe’s access seekers and challengers on the recent connectivity white paper. Evolution not revolution was the overriding message
M&A: Latest developments in Europe
While an in-market mobile merger in France appears likely, consolidation in Portugal’s fixed broadband market is facing strong opposition
