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[…]

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[…]

Research into recent press sector dynamics

Report co-authored with Dr Gordon Ramsay, Dr Sami Stouli and Stephen Adshead Plum undertook a study for the UK Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) that examined the current status of the local newspaper market and its relationship to democratic participation (measure by local election turnout). The study also included an extensive overview[…]

Developing effective competition in the telecommunication sector of the KSA through functional separation

Plum undertook a major study to assess the effects of separating the dominant telecommunications operators in the KSA and to make appropriate recommendations. The purpose of the study was to study mechanisms for applying separation of the dominant service provider to limit the discrimination against competitors to access wholesale services. The project involved a thorough[…]

Functional separation of Telmex

Plum carried out a major programme of work in Mexico to help América Móvil develop its plan for the functional separation of Telmex, its fixed access network business, in response to a request from the Mexican telecoms regulator. This engagement was with the full support of the Mexican regulator, the IFT. Plum set up a[…]

UK wireless regulation and strategy support

Plum was engaged by a leading fibre network telco operator in the UK, to review the threats and opportunities brought with developing wireless technologies such as fixed wireless access, mesh networks, and cellular systems including 5G. Our work included a review of both technology and commercial developments in the UK wireless market, and a corresponding[…]

Technical and commercial diligence for a fixed wireless operator

We provided a diligence review for a private equity firm in support of a funding deal with a UK-based fixed wireless operator. Our work included management dialogue, review of dataroom materials, market assessment, technology architecture and dimensioning, and cost assessment. A report on risk assessment was presented to investors to advise on progressing the deal.

Competition and economic assessment of the acquisition of WTT by HKBN in Hong Kong

Plum supported London Economics in carrying out an economic assessment of the acquisition by HKBN of WTT for the Hong Kong regulator OFCA. The merger analysis considered the impacts on potentially affected markets, including retail and wholesale fixed services, and took into account market trends and the implications of technology developments on supply and demand[…]

Technical and commercial due diligence: support on proposed funding deal

Plum was engaged by a leading London-based investment bank to provide technical and commercial due diligence to support a planned funding deal for a UK based technology vendor. We engaged with the vendor’s CEO and CFO to review product solutions, market potential, and commercial plans. We developed a report for the bank to advise on[…]