Public Affairs
All the latest public affairs news, analysis and insight, including legal, regulatory and political issues surrounding leading telecom and infra players.
UK debate over how to power AI infra escalates
Microsoft’s withdrawal from Nscale’s Essex project has reignited questions about whether the UK can deliver AI infrastructure on commercial timelines.
nexfibre refuses to blink as CMA deadline for remedies passes
In-depth: UK fibreco’s owners have refused to offer remedies for the proposed Substantial takeover, challenging the antitrust authority’s view of how competition would develop without the deal and putting pressure on the regulator to reconsider its Ofcom-informed assumptions.
UK telcos lobby for government assistance on energy bills
Execs from BT and VodafoneThree call for a major rethink on network power fees to reflect telcos’ Critical National Infrastructure responsibilities.
Vodacom afforded ‘fast-track’ appeal as courts threaten to unravel Safaricom deal
South African operator secures stay of execution and accelerated appeals process, but the threat remains that Vodacom may be forced to unwind its $2bn move to take majority control of Safaricom…
European altnet associations unite on call for copper-to-fibre migration certainty
European fibre associations unite under the Digital Networks Alliance banner, advocating for firm copper-to-fibre migration timelines and regulation to prevent anti-competitive practices from major operators. Trio of German organisations among founding members, as the country grapples with its fibre regulatory framework…
What the EU’s critical communications plan means for telcos — Strand Consult
Guest analysis: Strand Consult examines how the EU’s proposed multibillion-euro, 2030–36 critical communications framework could create new mobile network demand, while raising questions over investment, remuneration, and excising High-Risk Suppliers.
Telco CEOs press Brussels for certainty as EU works through regulatory changes
Executive Briefing: The debate over Europe’s telecom future intensified in Brussels as executives from United Group, TIM, and MEO challenged policymakers on spectrum rights, merger approvals, cybersecurity mandates, and the continent’s pace of innovation.
Orange Business gains second SecNumCloud visa for AI focused cloud offering
Orange Business has secured a second SecNumCloud 3.2 qualification, strengthening its position in France’s rapidly evolving sovereign cloud market just as trusted cloud requirements become increasingly embedded in law.
TalkTalk: BT takes the spoils, private equity takes a bath
In-Depth Analysis: The collapse and swift sale of TalkTalk has thrust BT into an unprecedented role as self-appointed industry saviour, ‘safeguarding’ millions of customers while attracting scrutiny from regulators, rivals, and policymakers — and highlighting the shortcomings of TalkTalk’s brief private equity ownership.
CMA flags substantial competition concerns as nexfibre/Netomnia dealt major blow
In-depth: The UK’s Competition & Markets Authority has delivered a significant setback to nexfibre’s proposed acquisition of Netomnia owner Substantial Group, arguing the deal would materially weaken competition in wholesale broadband markets.
BT: ‘national champion’ initiates saviour-mode for TalkTalk rescue
‘National champion’ is reportedly preparing to swoop on forlorn TalkTalk as vultures circle overhead, exploring whether its age-old national-interest argument retains traction to mop up millions of stranded subscribers, many already with Openreach, should growing fears materialise that the top-five ISP is running out of financial runway.