All Legal (compliance, regulatory) articles
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Strategy & ChangeVIRTUS bets on tier-two Europe in ‘speculative’ data centre expansion
Interview: Macquarie-backed operator VIRTUS Data Centres is accelerating its European ambitions with a speculative build model, targeting tier‑two metros to stay ahead of hyperscaler demand and replicate a tried-and-true campus model. Business Development VP Christina Mertens talks ambition, strategy, and investor backing…
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Network & InfraUK government targets ‘zombie’ data centre speculators in sweeping energy grid overhaul
Tougher requirements proposed for applicants, designed to curb ‘speculative activity’ artificially inflating massive power connection demand on the national grid, led by ever-larger data centres.
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M&A‘Loosen the leash’: Telefónica’s Murtra repeats call for telco M&A rethink
MWC26: Spanish group’s Executive Chairman Marc Murtra again urges European regulators to loosen the shackles on telco deal-making.
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EventwatchTrust me I’m a telco: sector insecurity seeps into MWC opener
MWC26: Telco CEOs take to the stage to warn of “unknown threats” and an emerging “Wild West” as the pace of technological change outpaces the rate that international operators, governments, and regulators can react…
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Public AffairsGerman broadband regs shift prompts altnet angst
German broadband providers show unease over regulator’s move to refocus onto regional markets when gauging incumbent Telekom Deutschland’s market power, and potentially relax the operator’s regulatory obligations in four cities.
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Suppliers & SCMDT in fresh bid to settle €80m outsourcing row
ISS, DT’s facilities management supplier in Germany, indicates the pair have entered discussions over a deal that would end their long-running contract dispute.
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M&AEC cites need for ‘European champions’ as merger guidelines review looms
In depth: Anticipation builds as first sighting of revised EU merger guidelines is slated for April, and telcos are busy lobbying for an M&A rule change…
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Network & InfraVM O2 inches closer to Starlink mobile services launch
Operator secures Ofcom approval to use existing 1800MHz spectrum for imminent direct-to-device product O2 Satellite.
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M&AUK: Freedom Fibre-Truespeed combine as cashed-up consolidator
In-depth: Strongly-backed, M&A-proven duo merging to create scaled, integrated altnet with 400,000+ footprint in England, boasting rare financial headroom in debt-laden sector, and positioned to drive further consolidation (and fill a Netomnia void?)…
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Network & InfraBelgium yet to finish off its fibre Plan B
Orange Belgium CEO indicates it may not gain clarity on pivotal fibre tie-up with incumbent Proximus until late-2026. Their plan forms part of a major planned reorg of sector that was initiated back in 2023 but remains locked in regulatory review.
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M&AFrance forbids sale of Eutelsat’s ‘strategic’ ground infra unit
Sovereignty-sensitive French government blocks proposed sale of passive ground infrastructure to EQT, citing need to maintain control over “strategic” comms assets. Eutelsat assures the decision will not impact its strategic expansion plans, although it has adjusted its short-term financial targets…
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Strategy & ChangeTransformation-focused Nokia gears up for AI ‘supercycle’
While telcos remain important customers for the Finnish tech vendor, it is transitioning from a “very telco‑centric” base and embracing the “AI supercycle”.
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Partnerships & AlliancesTelefónica to aid hyperscalers on infra, service compliance in Spain — report
Telco reportedly assisting Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Oracle to ensure they maintain compliance with Spanish data and security regulations, amidst the Group’s broader push to deliver compliant and sovereign services in Europe…
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Public AffairsGerman fibre players cautiously welcome BNetzA’s copper switch-off plans
German telcos and industry bodies issue guarded welcomes of German regulator’s latest regulatory plans to enforce copper shutdown in parts of the country, although timeline for the switch-off still not firmed up…
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Network & Infra‘No other choice’: 1&1 to sue BNetzA over spectrum extension move
Challenger operator CEO Ralph Dommermuth tells Handelsblatt that he intends to sue the regulator for spectrum licence extension decision that “ruled out” 1&1. “This is not OK”…
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Public AffairsEU resetting copper switch-off to ‘mandatory but conditional’ 2035, pressuring slow-mo incumbents
In depth: leaked draft of EC Digital Networks Act reveals copper shutdown ambitions delayed by five years. Incumbent, copper-overweight operators like Deutsche Telekom look set to face heat if new enforcement capabilities introduced. Other highlights include spectrum trading, easing up on regional consolidation, and streamlining oversight…
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Analyst BriefingVodafonewatch: M&A ripples in Europe, debt reprieve in India
Analyst Briefing: European M&A, some of Vodafone’s own making, shifts the Partner Markets landscape; AGR pressure lifted for Vi as India’s gov commits to reassessment; and reports suggest change in the office for OXG Glasfaser ownership…
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Strategy & ChangeHungary’s 4iG gears up to become third 5G player in North Macedonia
Reports indicate that spectrum licences have been awarded to 4iG unit One Macedonia, although official confirmation is still pending.
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Analyst BriefingDeutsche Telekomwatch: T.Capital gets defensive; DT nets another home win
Analyst Briefing: Past week’s developments include confirmation that Telekom Deutschland has hit its headline 2.5 million FTTH homes target for 2025, and the Group has added another defence-focused partner to its T.Capital ecosystem…
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M&ATelefónica secures deal to sell Hispam B2B interests
Spanish group agrees a multi-layered deal to offload Telefónica Tech businesses in three Hispam markets but while also ensuring its maintains services for MNC clients.