UK telecoms regulation, Ofcom, General Conditions, numbering, spectrum, switching, enforcement
Ofcom’s Plan of Work 2026/27 shapes telecoms investment, altnet consolidation and compliance. Analysis of what it means for operators and dealmakers.
The Nexfibre-Netomnia deal, the government Statement of Strategic Priorities and Ofcom Telecoms Access Review 2026-31 together set the framework for UK fibre infrastructure transactions. What advisors and investors need to know about deal structuring in a consolidating market.
The EU agreed PSD3 and the Payment Services Regulation in November 2025, overhauling fraud liability, open banking and e-money rules. The UK is not bound by PSD3, but its own payments reform is heading in a similar direction. What firms operating across both regimes need to know.
Ofcom published its Telecoms Access Review 2026-31 on 17 March 2026.
EU Digital Networks Act unpacked. One rulebook for telecoms? The Commission’s plan to replace the EECC with a single, binding EU telecoms framework The European Commission has published its proposal for a Digital Networks Act (DNA), signalling the most significant reform of EU telecoms regulation in over a decade. Released on 21 January 2026, the…
Ofcom’s Connected Nations Rising Data Demand and the UK’s Rapid Shift to 5G Standalone Ofcom has released its 2025 Connected Nations UK Report, reporting increasing mobile data demand and use, and the rapid expansion of 5G standalone networks. Ofcom’s Connected Nations annual report provides objective information on the UK telecoms market for operators, vendors and…
EU Digital Omnibus: simplification or new complexity for digital and AI regulation? What has happened and why does it matter? The European Commission has proposed a Digital Omnibus Regulation to streamline elements of the EU’s digital legislative framework, including amendments to the GDPR, ePrivacy Directive, NIS2 and the Data Act, while repealing several existing measures…
UK Judges and ICO publish internal AI use guidelines In the UK’s rapidly developing AI governance landscape, two institutions have taken a decisive and self-reflective step. The Judiciary of England and Wales and the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have both published their internal policies on the use of artificial intelligence. These are not external consultation papers or policy statements…
UK Online Safety Act 2023: what platforms must do now The Online Safety Act 2023 establishes a statutory duty of care for UK-accessible platforms, search services and online publishers, creating one of the most detailed digital safety regimes internationally. Ofcom has begun phased implementation, with information notices, supervisory monitoring and early investigative steps already underway….
The Data (Use and Access) Act 2025 (DUAA) introduces sweeping changes in UK data regimes, from smart-data schemes and digital verification services to amendments of the Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR. Rob Bratby of bratby.law guides UK businesses through compliance, strategic opportunities, and contract implications. Essential reading for counsel, transaction teams and commercial leaders.
UK AI Regulation: An overview Introduction In contrast to the overarching, prescriptive approach of the EU AI Act, the UK’s approach to regulating artificial intelligence (AI) is to focus on regulating the use of AI, rather than the underlying AI technology. The UK’s objective is to foster innovation whilst managing risks. 2023 UK AI Regulation…