Innovation & Investment

IIC members discuss sustainable investment models, public private partnerships, progress with broadband plans and multi-sector, intelligent coordination. Debate continues around the best way to incentivise innovation and investment whilst delivering audience protection and plurality in a world where converged communications are changing the rules.

MTN Group drives innovative rural coverage using OpenRAN technology

Africa: The mobile operator MTN has announced that it has deployed over 200 commercial rural sites across its footprint, using OpenRAN technology.

Wednesday, 20 November 2019

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Key speakers on Innovation & Investment

Talks on Innovation & Investment

Greece gets broadband help from Europe
The European Commission has approved, under EU state aid rules, €300 million of public support for Greece's ultrafast broadband infrastructure scheme, which aims to provide broadband services to customers in areas with insufficient connectivity.
GSMA criticises European Commission over connected car technology
Industry body the GSMA has argued that the European Commission (EC) has ignored innovation and choice after the body backed the adoption of Wi-Fi technology in connected cars over cellular connectivity, notes Mobile World Live.
5G broadcasting action group gets underway
The 5G Media Action Group (5G-MAG), a new association designed to give the media industry a voice in the 5G debate, has elected its first steering group and chair at the association’s inaugural general assembly on 16 October.
5G forecast show Europe ‘further adrift’
CCS Insight, a market researcher, has raised its near-term forecast for global 5G connections following “impressive progress” made by the industry over the past six months.
A new telecom/media policy agenda for the EC
Suggestions for the new Commission in an Election Year.
Achieving universal broadband
Considerations in emerging and mature markets.
Algeria’s regulator takes new name
Algeria’s telecoms regulator has changed its name from the Authority for Regulation of Post and Telecoms (Autorite de Regulation de la Poste et des Telecoms, ARPT) to the Authority for Regulation of Post and Electronic Communications (Autorite de Regulation de la Poste et des Communications Electroniques, ARPCE).
Apple takeover of Shazam approved by the European Commission
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Shazam by Apple. The commission concluded that the merger would not adversely affect competition in the European Economic Area or any substantial part of it.
Australia reaches preliminary views on digital platforms
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has published preliminary recommendations in its digital platforms inquiry, which is covering Google, Facebook and the Australian news and advertising industries. The report contains 11 preliminary recommendations and eight areas for further analysis as the inquiry continues.
Australia’s ACCC issues final market report
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has published the final report of its communications sector market study, which includes 28 recommendations and actions on competition and consumer issues.

Blogs on Innovation & Investment

10 Predictions for the Future of Telecommunications Regulation in 2018
2018 could be a watershed year for the telecommunications industry and EU regulation. Francesco Liberatore Chair of the Brussels Chapter, and associate Matthew Buckwell of Squire Patton Boggs consider the top 10 EU regulatory developments
Alan Turing had it right all along
We should see chatbots as digital assistants, not pseudo-humans
Are we missing one big thing?
20 years ago, what is now regarded as one of the major threats facing the developed world was then confined to sci-fi movies.
Data aggregation and the effectiveness of antitrust, merger control and regulatory tools
Francesco Liberatore writes, the Financial Times recently reported that the UK Government will create a new regulator, the Digital Markets Unit, to police companies such as Facebook and Google after Brexit. The regulator will be given powers to implement a range of new rules, including an enforceable code of conduct for the biggest groups and greater data accessibility for consumers.
Ethical Standards in artificial intelligence
For Europe to lead in AI it must lead in ethical standards. It is a pre-requisite that we create an environment of trust by design.
Free, full-fibre broadband for all?
It is one of the more surprising aspects of the current UK general election campaign that broadband policy has been hitting the headlines as one of the main controversies.
I have seen the convening power of the IIC at work
IIC sponsored co-operation resulted in valuable satellite education projects around the world
Meeting the Ethical Challenge of AI
One of the buzz-phrases in the current privacy debate is “privacy by design” or even, “privacy as a design experience”. The essence of this, logically enough, is that privacy should be “designed-in” to a service or product from the outset, rather than have to be bolted on afterwards once the implications have become clear.
Preferring humans to AI
There will be many jobs AI can do better than humans. We might want humans to carry on doing them anyway.
Public Service Broadcasters must continue to ‘cover the waterfront’
Something for everyone, most of the time

Regulatory Watch articles on Innovation & Investment

France: Arcep opens applications for 5G frequencies sale
The French telecommunications regulator, the Autorité de Régulation des Communications Électroniques et des Postes (Arcep), has opened applications for the sale of 5G frequencies.
AI: The Brave New World
Though AI can generate economic growth, and help solve the world’s biggest challenges, the newly appointed European Commission accepts it also needs to deal with the ‘risks’ the new technology brings, writes The Parliament Magazine’s Rajnish Singh.
WRC-19: New milestones agreed for non-geostationary satellite deployment
WRC-19: Agreement has been reached on a new milestone-based approach for the deployment of non-geostationary satellite (NGSO) systems.
MTN Group drives innovative rural coverage using OpenRAN technology
Africa: The mobile operator MTN has announced that it has deployed over 200 commercial rural sites across its footprint, using OpenRAN technology.
Digicel T&T launches LTE-A
TeleGeography reports that Digicel Trinidad and Tobago has upgraded its networks with LTE-A technology using an undisclosed block of spectrum it says was awarded by the Telecommunications Authority of Trinidad and Tobago (TATT) in July 2019.
Singapore Unveils New AI Framework for Financial Institutions
Regulation Asia reports that the MAS (Monetary Authority of Singapore) has announced the launch of a new collaboration with the financial industry to create an artificial intelligence framework for financial institutions. This comes as the new National Artificial Intelligence strategy was announced by Singapore’s deputy prime minister Heng Swee Keat at the Singapore FinTech Festival and Singapore Week of Innovation and TeCHnology (SFF x SWITCH) 2019.
More regulation to come; most originates in Europe
A study by the law firm Hogan Lovells predicts that digital and technology companies can expect to face tougher regulations in the coming years.
South African operators cooperate with government on fibre connectivity
Seven telecoms companies in South Africa have signed a cooperation agreement with the government outlining guiding principles for conduct within the fibre-based connectivity sector, notes Business Report.
Brazil telecoms modernisation law signed by president
Brazil’s president, Jair Bolsonaro, has signed a law modernising Brazil’s telecoms regulations in a move long expected by the industry to allow new investment opportunities and help salvage bankrupt carrier Oi, reports Reuters.
5G broadcasting action group gets underway
The 5G Media Action Group (5G-MAG), a new association designed to give the media industry a voice in the 5G debate, has elected its first steering group and chair at the association’s inaugural general assembly on 16 October.
Singapore ups 5G spectrum allocation to four operators
Singapore’s communications regulator, Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has revised its plans for the allocation of 5G-suitable spectrum, saying it now intends all four mobile network operators (MNOs) to roll out 5G networks starting from next year, up from its original plan to have just two, reports Telegeography.
Benelux competition authorities issue joint memo on digital challenges
A joint memorandum of the Belgian, Dutch and Luxembourg (Benelux) competition authorities has highlighted challenges faced by competition authorities in a digital world. They say they cannot address all the challenges faced by competition authorities and focus on merger control, the need for guidance in fast moving digital markets, and the debate on an ex ante instrument providing for binding commitments without the establishment of an infringement.
BEREC updates net neutrality guidelines; consults on this and other issues
BEREC, the European regulators body, has issued a draft update to its net neutrality guidelines, adopted in 2016, that have been now been renamed as the BEREC Guidelines on the Implementation of the Open Internet Regulation.
US proposes rural development fund for broadband
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed taking its biggest single step to date toward closing the rural digital divide by establishing the Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, which would direct up to $20.4 billion to expand broadband in unserved rural areas.
Greece gets broadband help from Europe
The European Commission has approved, under EU state aid rules, €300 million of public support for Greece's ultrafast broadband infrastructure scheme, which aims to provide broadband services to customers in areas with insufficient connectivity.
Report finds negative impacts of high spectrum prices on consumers
The GSMA, the mobile operators body, has issued a report with the main finding that the negative impacts of high spectrum prices on consumers “can no longer be disputed”. The report, titled “The impact of spectrum prices on consumers”, says that countries with poor spectrum policies – which either inflate spectrum or delay spectrum assignments – “are leading to millions of people being left unable to access mobile broadband services or experiencing reduced network quality”.
Germany considers competition framework for the digital economy
A commission of experts on “competition law 4.0”, set up by Germany’s Peter Altmaier, Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy, and chaired by Martin Schallbruch, Heike Schweitzer and Achim Wambach, has presented its recommendations for a new competition framework for the digital economy to the minister.
Egypt opens ICT monitoring centre
Egyptian ICT minister, Amr Talaat, has inaugurated a national ICT monitoring centre, which is affiliated with the National Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (NTRA), notes Ecofin. “With this new development, the Egyptian government is confirming its ambition to improve the quality of telecoms and internet services provided to citizens..."
France’s regulators draw up data-driven memo; Arcep reports on future networks
Several French regulators – the competition authority, AMF, Arafer, Arcep, CNIL, CRE and CSA – have held a meeting to draw up a memorandum on data-driven regulation, which they say “creates the ability to make stakeholders more accountable, increases the regulator’s capacity for analysis and makes more information available to users and civil society”.
Singapore launches digital industry and cybersecurity initiatives
Singapore’s Economic Development Board (EDB), Enterprise Singapore and the regulator, the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA), have joined forces to establish Digital Industry Singapore (DISG), to better support and capitalise on the growth opportunities for Singapore’s technology sector.
Mission to Georgia helped build its regulatory framework
A 19 month project with over 190 expert missions to Georgia comprising Lithuanian, German and Polish experts has helped define secondary legislation and guidelines on communications in line with EU standards for the country.
Germany clears 700 MHz band for operators
Germany has completed the clearance of the 700 MHz band, which had previously been used by broadcasters, with operators now free to use the bandwidth to improve coverage, reports Mobile World Live.
European Commission embarks on pilot phase in AI ethics
The European Commission has launched the pilot phase of its ethics guidelines for trustworthy artificial intelligence (AI). At the first AI Alliance Assembly, held in Brussels, the High-Level Expert Group on AI announced two developments, including an assessment list for trustworthy AI, developed by a group of 52 independent experts.
Mauritania is facing telecoms challenges
Mauritania's small population and low economic output has limited the country’s ability to develop sustained growth, notes Developing Telecoms, citing a report by Research & Markets. “There are also practical challenges relating to transparency and tax burdens which have hindered foreign investment.
Mission to Georgia helped build its regulatory framework
A 19 month project with over 190 expert missions to Georgia comprising Lithuanian, German and Polish experts has helped define secondary legislation and guidelines on communications in line with EU standards for the country.
Opportunity to act on facial recognition technology may be lost in the US
An article in Wired notes that after revelations about how law enforcement agencies in the US have deployed facial recognition, “Congress seemed, for a moment, galvanised to act".
Ofcom issues public service broadcasting measures
Ofcom, the UK regulator, has announced a range of measures “to ensure that public service broadcasters (PSBs) continue to deliver high-quality content for UK viewers and listeners”.
FCC examines broadband access in multi-tenant residential buildings
The FCC in the US is taking steps to improve broadband deployment and competition in the nation’s apartment buildings, condominium complexes and office buildings (known as multiple tenant environments, or MTEs).
Ethiopia adopts telecoms proclamation
The Communications Service Proclamation has been adopted by the Ethiopian Parliament and introduces a number of major changes into the Ethiopian telecoms sector. Commentary from DLA Piper's telecoms team notes that the most important aspect of the proclamation is that it has liberalised the sector, which has been monopolised by the government for many decades.
UK business body calls for a digital economy regulator
Britain’s Confederation of British Industry (CBI) has called for a new, independent regulator that can play “a crucial role in building trust in the digital economy”. It says that current proposals risk falling short of the UK government’s ambition to be the best and safest place to build a digital business.
New Zealand embarks on digital economy plan
A new domain plan to measure New Zealand’s ongoing evolution into a digital nation has been released by Stats NZ and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE). Government statistician, Liz MacPherson, says that the release of a digital nation domain plan is a step towards “making sure that we’re collecting essential data to track and understand how new and emerging technologies are affecting New Zealand.
Cook Islands issues competition policy consultation
The Cook Islands Ministry of Finance and Economic Management (MFEM) has released a draft telecoms market competition policy for consultation. The Cook Islands has been serviced by a single operator, partly-owned by the government, under a legislated monopoly since 1989, with limited independent oversight.
Canada’s regulator makes broadband fund call
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) has launched a first call for applications for a broadband fund. The CRTC is accepting applications for projects in the Canadian territories and satellite-dependent communities, where there is a great need for improved broadband internet and mobile wireless services.
UK citizens get right to ‘decent and affordable’ broadband
Everyone in the UK will have the legal right to request a decent and affordable broadband connection from March next year, the regulator, Ofcom, has confirmed. “We are implementing the UK government’s ‘universal broadband service’ – a safety net that will give eligible homes and businesses a legal right to request a decent connection.
FCC’s broadband deployment report comes under fire
Ajit Pai, chair of US regulator FCC, has commented on USTelecom’s release of broadband investment figures for 2018, and the FCC’s own 2019 broadband deployment report (which was reissued after problems with data), saying that “the latest evidence reaffirms that our policies are working..."
Intellectual Property Data Platform free trials
The Intellectual Property Data Platform initiative from IP Australia will enable researchers and policy makers to investigate and interrogate data in a powerful cloud-based analytical environment.
San Francisco could ban official use of facial recognition technology
San Francisco officials have voted to ban the use of facial recognition technology by city personnel, in a move to regulate tools that local Silicon Valley companies helped develop, reports Reuters.
Singapore launches consultation on regulatory frameworks and policies for 5G
Singapore’s Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) has launched a public consultation to seek views from the industry and public on the appropriate regulatory frameworks and policies for 5G.
European Commission awaits legal advice on Wi-Fi connected car proposal
The European Commission’s plan for a Wi-Fi-based standard for cars endorsed by Volkswagen faces a 2 month delay as EU countries wait for legal advice on the proposal, reports Reuters.
Ofcom’s CEO highlights risk of lack of telecoms equipment choice
Sharon White, chief executive of Ofcom, the UK regulator, has said that the small number of equipment suppliers has created systemic risks to the country’s networks that may need to be addressed with regulation. She made the remarks amid tensions with the US over whether Britain will permit equipment from Chinese vendor Huawei to be used for next-generation 5G telecom services, reports Bloomberg.
Dutch regulator focuses on net neutrality and infrastructure implications of 5G
Dutch regulator, ACM, plans to work on two themes concerning 5G, reports Telecompaper: the application of net neutrality and infrastructure sharing. “A spokesperson for the ACM said the application of net neutrality raises important questions for 5G and infrastructure sharing will become relevant again once operators start rolling out 5G networks.
France, Canada, line up consumers for internet quality testing
Arcep, France’s regulator, has published a draft decision for public consultation on implementing an application programming interface (API), to be installed directly in operators’ boxes, for measuring the quality of fixed internet services.
Copper switch off report issued by European fibre body
The FTTH Council Europe has released a new study on copper switch-off and transition to fibre. It analyses the different stages of copper switch-off in 10 European Union member states and identifies benefits as well as enablers, incentives, challenges and barriers to switching from copper to fibre networks.
GSMA criticises European Commission over connected car technology
Industry body the GSMA has argued that the European Commission (EC) has ignored innovation and choice after the body backed the adoption of Wi-Fi technology in connected cars over cellular connectivity, notes Mobile World Live.
Talk continues of a 5G wholesale network in the US
Kevin Werbach, who was an adviser on telecom policy in the Clinton and Obama administrations, has written in the New York Times about the Trump administration’s short-lived idea for an open wholesale 5G network.
Competition review in UK calls for a new digital markets unit
Tech giants have become increasingly dominant and ministers must open the market up to increase consumer choice and give people greater control over their data, an independent review for the UK government has advised.
UK upper house calls for digital ‘super-regulator’
The UK’s House of Lords has called for the creation of a digital super-regulator to oversee the different bodies charged with safeguarding the internet and replace the “clearly failing” system of self-regulation by big technology companies, reports the Guardian.
Philippines approves ICT strategy
The Philippines House of Representatives has unanimously approved House Bill 3437, which seeks to provide for an “online network establishment” (ONE) policy for the country. Principally authored by deputy speaker Rose Marie “Baby” Arenas, HB 3437 or the “ONE Philippines Act” hopes to minimise the so-called digital divide and speed up wireless communications technology in the country.
EU reaches deal on rules for online trading
The EU says it has reached a political deal on the first-ever rules aimed at creating “a fair, transparent and predictable business environment for businesses and traders when using online platforms”.
“Contentious” South African communications bill withdrawn
Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams, South Africa’s communications minister, has withdrawn the contentious Electronic Communications Amendment Bill, reports TechCentral. “The draft legislation, which creates the framework for a wholesale open-access network has drawn severe criticism from Vodacom, MTN and others over, among other things, its proposal to force network operators to provide wholesale access to their infrastructure on a cost-orientated and open-access basis...
India turns down proposal for free data for the poor
The Indian government has turned down a proposal to offer free data to the poor, with the Telecom Commission, the top decision-making body on telecoms matters, refusing to agree to a recommendation made by regulator TRAI.
Philippines mandates working at home but ICT needs to catch up
The Philippines ICT agency has called on telecoms operators to raise their game to provide more reliable internet connections for workers, after the government passed new regulations allowing employees to work from home, notes Mobile World Live.
The internet is fragmenting into four entities
A recent paper by British academics from Southampton University claims that the internet is splitting into four distinct governance entities. They say that the internet is a fragile construction of hardware, software, standards and databases and is run by an ever-expanding range of private and public actors constrained only by voluntary protocols and subject to political pressure.
India’s regulator speaks on 5G priorities
India can be a frontrunner in deployment of 5G but much will hinge on bolstering investments in fibre infrastructure, which is currently inadequate and trailing countries like China, RS Sharma, chair of India’s regulator, TRAI, has said at a digital summit meeting.
India’s regulator speaks on 5G priorities (Copy)
India can be a frontrunner in deployment of 5G but much will hinge on bolstering investments in fibre infrastructure, which is currently inadequate and trailing countries like China, RS Sharma, chair of India’s regulator, TRAI, has said at a digital summit meeting.
Morocco banks on digital development plan
Morocco’s head of government, Saad Eddine El Othmani, has said the country “is betting on digital transformation to achieve a qualitative leap in economic and social development,” reports Morocco World News.
UN ramps up internet resolutions
The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has passed a record number of resolutions relevant for internet policy at its latest session, notes the Association for Progressive Communications (APC).
Q&A with Chris Chapman
Chris Chapman, President of the IIC and the inaugural Chair of the ACMA – December 2018
FCC votes to classify SMS as information services
Wireless operators got what they were asking for when the FCC voted 3:1 to deny requests from Twilio and others to classify text messaging services as “telecommunications services”, which would subject them to harsher regulation, reports FierceWireless.
Saudi operators agree royalty fees
Operators in Saudi Arabia have agreed a change in the calculation of their annual royalty fees with the government, reports Reuters. The companies also said they had reached a deal with the government to settle disputed fees to be paid for previous years up to 2017.
China makes moves on blockchain regulation
According to website, International Law Office, the Chinese government’s growing concerns about certain aspects of blockchain have triggered a number of recent regulatory responses. For example, in June 2018 the government learned of a vaccine scandal in which improper wording was allegedly uploaded to Ethereum (a type of blockchain).
FCC goes for incentive auction for 5G spectrum
The FCC has published more on its plans to hold a major 5G spectrum auction in 2019 by adopting new rules that will promote the availability of high-band millimetre wave spectrum for the next generation of wireless connectivity.
Australia reaches preliminary views on digital platforms
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has published preliminary recommendations in its digital platforms inquiry, which is covering Google, Facebook and the Australian news and advertising industries. The report contains 11 preliminary recommendations and eight areas for further analysis as the inquiry continues.
European regulators body publishes plan for 2019/20
BEREC, the Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications, has released a number of documents and consultations, including its “highly anticipated” opinion on the EU net neutrality regulation and guidelines.
France’s president calls for internet governance reform
The 2018 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) held in Paris recently saw the first appearance at the annual event of a UN secretary general, and also a speech by Emmanuel Macron, in which he said the internet is “profoundly threatened” by cyber attacks, hate speech and disinformation, and by the internet giants.
EU sets out artificial intelligence plan amid concerns
The European Commission (EC) has published a plan prepared with member states to foster the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) in Europe. It focuses on four areas: increasing investment, making more data available, fostering talent and ensuring trust.
Europe’s communications code gets final approval
The European Council has given final sign-off on the EU’s Electronic Communications Code, which imposes price caps, tougher security procedures and spectrum allocation rules that will enhance 5G deployment, notes mobile World Live.
LSE proposes online platform watchdog for the UK
The LSE Truth, Trust and Technology Commission at the London School of Economics has published a report, “Tackling the information crisis”, in which the key proposal is for an independent platform agency for the UK that would be a watchdog – rather than a regulator...
Singapore’s PM urges trade rules update for digital
Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong has called on leaders of Asia-Pacific economies to do much more to shape rules for emerging areas in the digital economy, such as electronic payments and digital identity, reports the Straits Times.
India’s regulator issues OTT consultation
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has re-started the debate on regulating over the top (OTT) services such as WhatsApp and Skype by issuing a consultation paper, “Regulatory framework for OTT communication services”. “This consultation paper seeks to analyse and discuss the implications of the growth of OTT services…
Market inquiry into mobile broadband in South Africa
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (Icasa) has announced that it will begin a market inquiry into mobile broadband services, reports BusinessTech. “In a statement on 16 November, Icasa said that the purpose of the inquiry is to assess the state of competition and determine whether or not there are markets or market segments within the mobile broadband services value chain which may warrant regulation.
RadComms 2018: ACMA Chair's opening address
“We expect to see unprecedented innovation in the global communications and media environment driven by accelerating advances in technology. This has the potential to deliver great benefits for the Australian community, but also challenges, as new technologies and platforms test the boundaries of our regulatory frameworks...”
UK expert panel convenes on competition in the digital economy
The UK Chancellor has requested an independent review and consultation from an expert panel on the state of competition in the digital economy, to consider what the opportunities and challenges are for policy, both in the UK and internationally.
ITU quantifies impact of digitisation on economies
The ITU has published a study, “The economic contribution of broadband, digitization and ICT regulation” which finds that an increase in both fixed and mobile broadband penetration has a positive impact on the economy.
Protectionism in the digital world – report
Countries which have historically driven protectionist policies through tariff and other trade barriers are now extending their agenda into the digital world, according to research by law firm Gowling WLG.
Bidders announced for US 5G mmWave auction
It appears that three of the nation’s largest cable companies are not planning to bid on millimetre-wave spectrum licences in the FCC’s 5g spectrum auction, which starts on 14 November, reports Fierce Wireless.
Ofcom explores blockchain for managing telephone numbers
Ofcom, the UK regulator, has received £700k from the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to explore how blockchain technology could improve how UK landline telephone numbers are managed.
Europe’s telecoms execs call for a new industrial policy
Europe’s telecoms CEOs have issued their latest vision for Europe’s next policy agenda, via the European Telecommunications Network Operators’ Association (ETNO), highlighting that with 5G and artificial intelligence (AI) at the doorstep, “the network and services landscape is about to be revolutionised.
Broadband price and speed plan ‘on track’ says Malaysian regulator
A Malaysian government initiative designed to reduce fixed broadband prices while increasing speeds at the same time is on track, according to the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), notes TeleGeography.
Global internet access has ‘slowed dramatically’
The growth of internet access around the world has slowed dramatically, according to new data, suggesting the digital revolution will remain a distant dream for billions of the poorest and most isolated people on the planet.
European Commission to back Wi-Fi system for connected cars
The European Commission is set to approve rules for the use of Wi-Fi in cars, giving Volkswagen and Renault who have pursued this technology the edge over Daimler and others who invested in rival 5G networks, reports Reuters.
Comcast deploys gigabit broadband throughout its footprint
Comcast announces today that they have deployed gigabit broadband throughout its footprint and are now the nation’s largest provider of gigabit service.
Data traffic in India cools scope of OTT consultation
The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has decided to reduce the scope of consultation for the proposed regulatory framework for over the top (OTT) platforms such as WhatsApp and Skype, according to a report by Live Mint.
Policy recommendations for platform liability for illegal material
A report from the Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE), “Liability of online hosting platforms: should exceptionalism end?”, explores whether online platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and YouTube benefit from a “liability free pass”.
Call to unblock data flows in Asia
Governments in Asia can expand the region’s digital economy and unlock further socio-economic benefits for their citizens by removing unnecessary restrictions on the movement of data internationally, according to a report by the GSMA.
New Zealand published issue paper on mobile market
New Zealand’s Commerce Commission has released an issues paper calling for submissions on its initial assessment of the mobile market that is being carried out under Section 9A of the Telecommunications Act 2001.
Deutsche Telekom makes demands about 5G auction
Deutsche Telekom has outlined its demands for Germany’s upcoming 5G spectrum auction, rejecting calls for conditions to encourage a new operator or plans for regional licences, notes Telecompaper.
Global mobile trends from the GSMA
GSMA Intelligence has published its third annual Global Mobile Trends report. Key takeaways include that the next generation of internet users will be mobile only. By 2025, 3.7 billion people – 72% of the global internet base – will be accessing the internet exclusively via mobile.
UK launches 5G testbed in West Midlands
The West Midlands region has been selected to become the home to the UK’s first multicity 5G testbed. The UK government says the multimillion pound trial of high speed connectivity will pave the way for the future rollout of 5G across the UK, making the region the first in the UK ready to trial new 5G applications and services at scale.
Lawsuits take aim at FCC and net neutrality; FCC fires back
Mozilla, the developer of the Firefox browser, has filed a legal brief against the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), accusing the telecoms regulator of abdicating its role, ignoring public comments and failing to understand how the internet actually works, notes the Register.
Apple takeover of Shazam approved by the European Commission
The European Commission has approved under the EU Merger Regulation the proposed acquisition of Shazam by Apple. The commission concluded that the merger would not adversely affect competition in the European Economic Area or any substantial part of it.
Call for OTT TV regulation in Africa
Spooked by Netflix’s growing popularity among African viewers, the continent’s largest television operator wants the disruptor to be regulated, reports Quartz Africa. “This call for regulation is a common call from established monopolies who find their grip on a local market challenged by a tech disruptor, and MultiChoice is no different.
Europe and China taking over from the US internet rules
The US is losing ground as the internet’s standard-bearer in the face of aggressive European privacy standards and China’s draconian vision for a tightly controlled web, reports Politico. “The weakening of the American position comes after years of US lawmakers and presidents, including both Donald Trump and Barack Obama, backing the tech industry’s aversion to new regulations.
Algeria’s regulator takes new name
Algeria’s telecoms regulator has changed its name from the Authority for Regulation of Post and Telecoms (Autorite de Regulation de la Poste et des Telecoms, ARPT) to the Authority for Regulation of Post and Electronic Communications (Autorite de Regulation de la Poste et des Communications Electroniques, ARPCE).
Microsoft calls for regulation of facial recognition software
Microsoft’s president, Brad Smith, has called for regulation of facial recognition software in the US, reports VentureBeat. “In a democratic republic, there is no substitute for decision making by our elected representatives regarding the issues that require the balancing of public safety with the essence of our democratic freedoms.
Caribbean community to fast-track ‘single ICT space’
Former chairman of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Keith Mitchell, says Caricom is soon to launch a multistakeholder partnership to fast-track specific elements of the “single ICT space”, notes the Jamaica Observer.
India untethers internet telephony but termination charges still apply
India’s Department of Telecom has issued a notification on Tuesday saying that internet telephony services are “untethered from the underlying access network”.
Zimbabwe cuts mobile charges ahead of election
The Postal and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority of Zimbabwe (Potraz) has reduced local mobile data and internet charges after concluding a cost modelling exercise for telecommunication network services in the country covering mobile, fixed and internet access networks, reports AllAfrica.
Isle of Man legislates on comms bill, appoints new CEO of regulator
The Isle of Man – the territory that lies between the UK and Ireland – is taking a new communications bill through its legislative process.
Critics say Europe’s e-privacy regulation will cut revenues
On the heels of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), Europe is gearing up for its next big privacy push, this time taking aim at data collection within messaging apps. But critics contend the proposed law goes too far, potentially stifling innovation and hurting profits, according to an article in OWI Insight.

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