The Final Report from the Telecoms Diversification Taskforce

The Telecoms Diversification Taskforce (Taskforce) has published its Report which sets out recommendations to deliver the Government’s ambitions for 5G supply chain diversity. Key recommendations of the Report Working via telecoms standards-setting bodies to encourage best practice in security and open networks. Using policy to create the right environment for diversification in the supply market … Read more

Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review 2021-26

Yesterday Ofcom published its Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review 2021-26 (WFTMR), which sets out how it will regulate telecoms fixed access services for the next five years. This follows Ofcom proposals to support competitive investment in fibre networks, which we previously reported on Ofcom’s consultation in connection with the WFTMR last year. Ofcom have in … Read more

UK Telecoms (Security) Bill: Stronger cyber security controls for the UK telecoms sector with a sting in their tail

Today the UK government introduced the Telecommunications (Security) Bill (the “Bill”) to Parliament, to more heavily regulate the UK telecoms sector and improve cyber security risk management, policy and enforcement. With significant sanctions for non-compliance, this “ground breaking” Bill is expected to provide the UK with “one of the toughest telecoms security regimes in the … Read more

Key Legal Issues in Data Centre Acquisitions and Investments

This is the first post in a three-part series focussing on key legal issues in data centre, fibre and towers acquisitions and investments. Overview The ever increasing demand for connectivity is set to lead to a transformation of the digital infrastructure on which the telecoms sector is built. The huge amount of capital required to … Read more

Ofcom launch first combined Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review

On 8 January, the national communications regulator Ofcom published its first combined review of the residential and business connectivity markets; the Wholesale Fixed Telecoms Market Review (FTMR).  Previously, the Business Connectivity Market Review was published separately from the residential Wholesale Local Access Market Review. The FTMR now covers a longer, 5 year period. Read more

Brexit planning full steam ahead? Spotlight on telecoms and media

As the 31 October 2019 deadline for the UK to leave the EU draws ever closer, uncertainty continues to remain as to whether any such departure will be accompanied by a “deal” (i.e. a version of the Withdrawal Agreement setting out arrangements for the UK’s withdrawal) or “no-deal”. Or indeed whether the October exit date … Read more