Public Affairs
All the latest public affairs news, analysis and insight, including legal, regulatory and political issues surrounding BT, Deutsche Telekom, Telefónica and Vodafone.
BT escalates appeal in landline overcharging case
Competition Appeals Tribunal tells BT it has little prospect of success in a call to block US‑style class action. Operator will take case to Court of Appeal as it seeks to swap opt‑out procedure for an opt‑in alternative. The latest update in an ongoing £589m saga amid allegations of ...
Vodafone takes Ofcom to task over proposed 2100MHz fees
Vodafone warns that rise in licence fees risks being passed onto end users. New annual licence fees for 2100MHz set to come into force from January 2022. Group calculates significantly lower fee compared with Ofcom’s proposal.
Hrvatski Telekom’s Optima offload expected within “days”
Change in Electronic Media Act paves way for transaction with United Group. Regulatory chief “very satisfied” at the prospect of a “third major player” in the fixed market.
Vodacom’s Super App cushioned if “politics” plays up
Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub says operator’s VodaPay Super App smarts are protected if political changes affect Alipay. Alipay technology underpins Vodacom’s financial services growth plans. Super App set for commercial launch in South Africa this month.
Openreach gets Ofcom green light for new FTTP pricing
Cheaper “Equinox” wholesale pricing offer to start on 1 October. Ofcom confirms no action needed on Openreach offer. Fibre altnets strongly opposed and considering next steps.
Openreach’s Selley slams “shambles” of UK EV charging market
UK’s second-biggest van owner buying electric vehicles from Spain because of lack of domestic commercial electric van manufacturing. Openreach CEO bemoans thin and unreliable charging network; says UK “behind game”. Just 600 of Openreach’s 28,000 commercial vans currently electric. CEO regards hydrogen as likely candidate for heavy vehicles.
Telekom Deutschland’s regional fibre JV rocked by court ruling
Düsseldorf court backs claims by Vodafone and rival altnet that Deutsche Glasfaser is “hindering competition” in FTTP space. 2019 regulatory clearance overturned. Operations progressing as normal, however.
Portugal’s auction pain continues as Spain shines on digital
Sale process now at 178 days and counting. Nick Read continues to sing praises of Spain’s example on digitisation. The CEO again warns that Europe is lagging on 5G and digital infrastructure.
Vodafone Germany takes action over sales partner fraud
Media report suggests German OpCo could incur fines over data privacy violations. Whistleblower said to have demanded €900,000 in exchange for non‑publication of data. German case follows privacy incidents involving third‑party agencies in Italy and Spain.
Nokia resumes O-RAN Alliance activity
Group revises procedures to alleviate concerns over US export rules. Deutsche Telekom is “fully committed” to the Alliance. USA considering clarifications for standards organisations.
Telefónica on edge as rambunctious Peru government beds in
Reports highlight fears that multinationals in Peru may face tougher opposition in trading and taxation disputes as the new Peruvian administration develops its strategy under a strongly left‑leaning President. Risks the future of a local Telefónica InfraCo; could face complications in a challenging political climate.