Implications of Open Source in GenAI

Open source practices in Gen AI are reshaping economies, and influencing competition, societal and political dynamics. Plum Consulting’s paper examines the dual nature of these practices, highlighting opportunities alongside challenges for policymakers and companies on that matter.

The (Real) Price of Satellite Connectivity: A Global Analysis of Starlink’s affordability

Since its launch in 2021, Starlink has quickly gained global traction, expanding rapidly and attracting a growing user base across 105 countries. Many countries have welcomed Starlink as a promising solution to bridge the digital divide, bringing high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas. Yet not all governments have embraced it; some have indeed resisted[…]

Regulation in competitive electronic communications markets

The UK Competitive Telecoms Association (UKCTA) asked Plum to examine regulation in competitive electronic communications markets in the UK. In our report for UKCTA, we discuss the efficacy of some regulatory requirements, and suggest a review to ensure that regulation in competitive markets remains effective, proportionate, and consistent with the Government’s objective for economic growth.[…]

Understanding the European Commission’s vision for digital infrastructure

In the white paper “How to Master Europe’s Infrastructure Needs”, published in February 2024, the European Commission presented its views on the future of connectivity and potential implications for European telecommunication policy. The Ministry of Economic Affairs in the Netherlands commissioned Plum and our partners for this project, Stratix, to analyse and explain the underlying[…]

The Economics of Satellite Broadband : a primer

Satellite broadband technology was once seen as the domain of remote outposts, maritime communications and specialised industries. In the past few years, convergence of cutting-edge advancements in satellite technology, reduced space launch costs, and new business models has increased the profile of satellite technology in the connectivity ecosystem. Satellite broadband is now considered a viable[…]

Consequences of EC proposals to extend regulatory scope to the entire digital economy

The European Commission’s White Paper “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?” makes radical proposals to expand both the reach and the depth of the European Electronic Communications Code to many new players in the broader Internet ecosystem. This report analyses the context of these proposals, how the Commission justifies them, who they might affect[…]

Enabling a Sustainable Digital Future: Bridging environmental concerns, digital rights, and digital inclusion

This paper proposes a definition of sustainable digital communications as the practice of designing, developing, and using communication technologies and systems in a way that minimizes negative impacts on the environment, promotes social inclusion, and upholds ethical principles and digital rights. The purpose of this paper, through a descriptive approach, is to show the interplays[…]

Cloudification, virtualisation and softwarisation of telecom networks and services – Our study for BEREC

Cloud technology and services are important to businesses and consumers in multiple sectors of the economy worldwide.  In telecommunications, modern networks are increasingly deploying cloud-based solutions in multiple settings across networks, operational functions, and customer facing business support, including cloud native 5G networks. We have been commissioned by BEREC (Body of European Regulators for Electronic[…]

Award of 2300, 2600 and 3400 MHz spectrum

Plum assisted CITC with the award of spectrum in the 2300 MHz, 2600 MHz, and 3400 MHz bands. Having cleared this spectrum for IMT use in Saudi Arabia, CITC wished to award this to operators so that they would be able to commence rollout of 5G services and increase capacity of LTE networks. Plum worked[…]