The role of spectrum policy in tackling the climate change issue

The UK Spectrum Policy Forum (techUK), an industry-led organisation that advises the regulator and the government, has commissioned Plum to conduct a study on the potential impact of spectrum policy on combatting climate change. The report shows that spectrum policies can have a significant positive environmental impact and that policymakers must put green issues at[…]

Opportunity study for small cells in 26 GHz band in France

Plum carried out for ARCEP (France) an independent exploratory study about the opportunities and deployment options for small cells in the 26 GHz band in France. The study was of two parts: a qualitative study identifying the technical, economic, and social opportunities potentially offered by use cases in the 26 GHz band, and a quantitative[…]

Stimulating demand for 26 GHz in Europe

Plum Consulting launched a report that calls for European governments and regulators to prioritize the supply of 26GHz spectrum to accelerate the much needed rollout of 5G services across the European region and to enable its full potential. Commissioned by Qualcomm Technologies Inc. and Nokia, the report finds that incentivising innovation by ensuring mmWave spectrum[…]

Digital ecosystem – Context and market review

In order to support AFD in its prospecting for funding in certain countries, Plum carried out a study of the digital and telecom ecosystems of Myanmar, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh, Nigeria and Ivory Coast. The study provides a review of the legal and regulatory framework, the existing national infrastructures, the leading entities as well as the potential[…]

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[…]

Digital Sovereignty: the overlap and conflict between states, enterprise and citizens

Digital sovereignty is an umbrella term that refers to the ability to exercise control over digital assets, such as data, content or digital infrastructure, or over the use of those assets. While this concept has arguably existed for decades, it has gained a new currency for a number of reasons, including concerns about state surveillance,[…]

Mapping online advertising issues, and industry and regulatory initiatives

Report co-authored with Stephen Adshead Online advertising is now the largest advertising medium by expenditure in the UK, exceeding TV and print. In 2019 it accounted for more than £13 billion expenditure in the UK and had a growth rate of 15% year on year. As the online advertising market has grown, concerns around consumer-[…]

Digital government in Africa: promoting inclusivity and sustainability

The benefits of digital government in developing countries are experienced more at an individual level rather than at an aggregate level. This paper provides African examples of the benefits delivered through improved performance and of enhanced transparency. Developing countries can better reap the benefits of digital governments by implementing more inclusive and sustainable projects. This[…]