Ahead of decisions to be made at WRC-27 on the identification of the 7125-7250 GHz band, the European Union has considered a number of ways in which the upper 6 GHz band can be split, or prioritised, between licence-exempt use and IMT, with a firm conclusion pending the outcomes of the 7 GHz band discussions.[…]
Plum has carried out a study for Arcep, the French telecommunications regulator, looking at the impacts of the regulatory structure deployed for fibre networks in France. Our report describes the regulatory framework, which Arcep terms as “symmetric” as it requires any operator deploying an optical fibre local loop to grant all reasonable requests for access[…]
These last few years, the European Commission has made various proposals to institute network fees in one form or another, but these were rejected by both digital market stakeholders and the European Council. In its latest consultation on the Digital Networks Act, the Commission puts forward a proposal to mandate dispute resolutions to IP Interconnection[…]
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[…]
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.[…]
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[…]
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[…]
Throughout 2023, European network operators have been vocal in describing difficulties when it comes to their ability to invest in network infrastructure. However, a European Commission consultation on the matter could not reach a consensus on what the problem was, nor on any potential solutions. In any case, the starting point of their argumentation is[…]
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[…]
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[…]