All Legal (compliance, regulatory) articles – Page 21
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Public AffairsNet neutrality: Telekom StreamOn, Vodafone Pass ordered to close
Regulator says zero-rating add-ons breach net neutrality. German operators told to terminate services by next year. Order follows European Court of Justice ruling that the services are “incompatible” with EU law.
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MarketingTelefónica, Deutsche Telekom lock horns over ‘T’ logo
DT objects to Telefónica’s adoption of a ‘T’ made up of five circles.
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Public Affairseir takes BT to court for NI public sector bid
Irish incumbent seeks compensation for long-running dispute regarding NI PSSN contract. Public sector IT services deal, won by BT in 2018, said to be worth up to £400m.
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M&ATelefónica’s Vilá welcomes merger of rivals in ‘fragmented’ Spanish market
Telefónica COO again questions whether Telefónica should now be seen as a dominant player. Vodafone said to be exploring options for its fixed assets in Spain.
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Public AffairsIndustrial action inbound as union rejects biggest BT pay rise in 20 years
Communication Workers Union rebuffs improved offer of a £1,500 flat rise for 58,000 employees. Union states it will take BT’s management “to a place they’ve never been before” as it prepares for a statutory industrial action ballot. BT believes its rates “compare well” against competitors.
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OperationsTPG cleared to separate wholesale and retail operations
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission greenlights ‘joint functional separation’ of the subsidiaries from 7 October 2022. Regulator believes the move will enhance competition in both segments. TPG is looking to create a new fibre-to-the-building (FTTB) wholesale business.
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PremiumElsewhere in Telefónica Hispanoamérica: Eco Rating Scheme introduced across markets
Eco Rating system extended to Hispam; Chile preparing for 5G auction; FTTP rival Mundo acquired by DigitalBridge.
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Public AffairsBT leads social tariff calls, hikes mobile prices
Cost of living crisis puts BT’s (and rivals’) mobile price increases in perspective, despite Group calls for more social tariffs. BT’s Home Essentials one of several on offer, but more to be done to support vulnerable customers. Time for rivals to pull their weight, says BT’s policy director. Mobile ...
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PeopleOfcom chair-elect “lacks knowledge” on digital issues
Lord Grade, set to take the chair at the UK’s media and telecoms regulator, lacks fundamental experience on key issues of social media and online platforms despite strength in broadcasting. Competitive and transparent telecoms industry among Grade’s priorities. Cronyism concerns after Grade’s appointment followed by Ian Cheshire’s move to ...
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PremiumElsewhere in Telefónica Group: Álvarez-Pallete weighs in on ePrivacy
Group calls for privacy norms rethink; cryptocurrency payments option mooted; Telefónica lauded for sustainability credentials.
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Public AffairsÁlvarez-Pallete: scrap ePrivacy, improve GDPR
Telefónica Executive Chairman José María Álvarez-Pallete calls on the European Commission to withdraw its proposed ePrivacy Regulation in favour of better enforcement of GDPR. ePrivacy ambitions of “harmonised” single market will not come to fruition, says the Spaniard. Calls for improved data legislation to compete with Asian and US ...
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Content & TVMovistar Plus+ signs €1.4bn DAZN deal for La Liga rights
Telefónica’s pay-TV platform to broadcast every Spanish top-flight match for five years from the 2022–23 season. DAZN retains production responsibilities, with Movistar Plus+ customers granted access to broadcasts. DAZN continues telco partnership strategy to ease rights costs.
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Network & InfrastructureFrom castles to classrooms: Wales tests rural 5G case
Project explores 5G value for rural communities with focus on agriculture, education, tourism, and transportation. EE 5G network connects sites in Blaenau Gwent and Monmouthshire. 4G and 5G are considered key to closing rural broadband gaps in Wales, but policymakers can do more to encourage investment.
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Public AffairsCNMC pledges post-merger review of Telefónica regulations
Proposed merger of Orange with MÁSMÓVIL would create largest player by subscribers. CNMC President will seek to balance obligations of telcos with those of digital platforms. Regulator reports on football rights contracts are being ignored.
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Public AffairsDT stops software development in Russia
Operator confirms closure of St. Petersburg development centre in response to Ukraine crisis. “Many” of DT’s thousands of employees have left Russia.
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Public AffairsSafaricom stands alone against tariff changes
Kenyan communications authority set to cut mobile termination rates by 88%, with Safaricom seen as biggest loser. Rate cuts said to level playing field, and enable greater competition and lower barriers for new market entrants.
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Public AffairsÁlvarez-Pallete lambasts regulators for being stuck in the past
If WhatsApp et al are not regulated, then neither should Telefónica, he says. Álvarez-Pallete accuses Spanish regulator of dragging its feet over reforms.
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Public AffairsPlease Call Me inventor resolute against Vodacom appeal
Nkosana Makate will pursue compensation “until the end of the road” after Vodacom lodged a formal appeal against High Court rulings. Vodacom offers millions to Makate, who claims billions are owed.
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Products & ServicesClaws out for M-PESA from Central Bank, Treasury
Bank Governor Njoroge tells Senate ICT Committee that a standalone m-money business will improve regulation and customer protection in Kenya. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Yatani adds that M-PESA transaction charges are too high. Njoroge and Yatani’s submissions are part of probe into alleged monopolistic practices by Safaricom. Central Bank opens ...
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Network & InfrastructureVodacom is big spender in SA spectrum auction
Long-awaited auction finally complete, but legal challenge looms. Vodacom is highest bidder, just ahead of MTN, and snags most spectrum. Government halts plan for controversial Wholesale Open Access Network.