Ethics in digital technologies

The omnipresence of digital technology in our daily life, its use and its impact on organisations and individuals, raises ethical questions about its role in our society. These concerns include consent and privacy, security, inclusion and fairness, protection from online harm, transparency and accountability. Notable examples include the Cambridge Analytica scandal and concerns about racial[…]

The ASEAN Digital Masterplan 2025

Plum was recently engaged to develop the latest ASEAN Digital Masterplan (ADM 2025). The ADM takes stock of the current state of digital development in ASEAN, and envisions ways for the ASEAN region to deepen its use of digital technologies to spur economic and social development. ADM 2025 was the third strategic masterplan for the[…]

State Aid evaluation of the superfast broadband programme: Impact on market, public sector, business and public value

Plum worked as a subcontractor to IPSOS on its 2020 superfast broadband State Aid evaluation report providing expert input on technology and other aspects of the rollout of superfast broadband in the UK. DCMS published the State Aid evaluation report in January 2021. The report can be accessed here.

Privacy implications of an automated cyber-security system – with or without the human loop

‘Star Wars’ is the classic example of a symbiotic human-machine relationship. The ‘force’ guided the human actions which were supported by data driven inputs from the ‘droids’. Being guided by the ‘force’ is nothing but human ability to use our intuition and exercise judgement. Though a work of fiction, the classic, might have essential food[…]

Market analysis and cost modelling of wholesale broadband in TRNC

Plum undertook a market review of the wholesale broadband marked for the Informational Technology and Communications Corporation (BTHK), the regulator in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC). In addition to updating a prior market analysis, the BTHK wished to determine the efficient cost of supply of fixed broadband access by cost modelling. The market[…]

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[…]

An assessment of HFC and FTTP options for gigabit connectivity in the UK market

With recent recognition of the need for some consideration of technologies other than full fibre, Government has shifted to consider “gigabit-capable” solutions, defined as those offering “a broadband connection of at least 1 Gbps/1,000 Mbps”. With the new Johnson Government, the schedule for nationwide access to gigabit-capable connections has also been revised from 2033 to[…]