Connected consumer devices – such as smart TVs, smart thermostats and connected appliances – are becoming increasingly common. Yet the cybersecurity measures on these devices are often lacking: many such devices contain serious vulnerabilities that leave them open to attack. This imposes costs not only on the owners of such devices, but upon third parties[…]
This Plum study for the Kosovo regulator ARKEP involved the valuation of the frequency bands for IMT services. Benchmarking and econometric analysis were carried out to derive the market value of six bands (800, 900, 1800, 2100, 2600 and 3500 MHz) and recommendations were provided on the appropriate auction reserve prices and spectrum fees, taking[…]
Adding connectivity to physical devices can significantly enhance their usefulness: for instance, it can allow remote operation or monitoring of the device, improve user convenience, or increase energy efficiency. As a result, the number of connected devices has grown extremely rapidly. This growth has been accompanied by increasing concerns about cybersecurity and privacy, and nowhere[…]
Plum was engaged by a UK-based wireless services operator, to assess new commercial models for 5G deployment and assess related benefits in rural areas. Our work included detailed review of emerging regulation on spectrum management and policy issues. We also carried out primary research to assess stakeholders’ needs in rural areas, and built commercial and[…]
Traditionally, an incumbent telecoms operator is vertically integrated and delivers all functions – network build and operations; product design and development; and retail sales and service. This integration carries a tension between the incumbent’s role as provider of wholesale services to its competitors, and its activities as a retail competitor. Around the world regulators and[…]
Report co-authored with Stephen Adshead The Department of Digital, Culture, Media & Sport (DCMS) commissioned Plum Consulting to provide an independent analysis of the structure of the online advertising sector; the movement of data, content and money through the online advertising value chain; and potential harms that can arise from online advertising. This work feeds[…]
Plum carried out a study for an Asia-based telecommunications operator to consider the merits of phasing out of 2G or 3G mobile services. As the demand for spectrum to support 4G services grows, the phasing out of 2G or 3G can help ensure that the most efficient technology is used to deliver services and the[…]
Plum undertook a study for Falkland Islands Communications Regulator to develop a framework for the management of radio spectrum to meet the provisions set out in Part 6 of the Communications Ordinance 2017. The study considers the requirement for a spectrum plan, requirements for licensing the use of radio frequencies and handling of pre-existing usage[…]
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[…]
The Taiwanese regulator NCC has taken a decision to adopt a cost-oriented approach for the regulation of next generation wholesale leased line services. To support the NCC in deriving appropriate wholesale prices for these services, Plum was commissioned to build a bottom-up long run incremental cost (LRIC) model. Plum, working alongside the Telecom Technology Center,[…]