Proposed changes to UK law affecting telecoms operators
In today’s Queen’s speech (which sets out the UK Government’s legislative agenda), a number of proposals were made which will impact the UK telecoms sector:
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Reforming Openreach’s governance: Ofcom’s proposals
In my last post, I summarised Ofcom’s initial conclusions from its review of the UK digital communications market. One of Ofcom’s conclusions was that the functional separation of BT’s Openreach division (which provides last mile access) from the rest of BT, and the associated regulation of the relationship between BT and Openreach (implemented by binding undertakings) was…
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Ofcom’s UK digital communications review: BT can keep Openreach (for now…)
On 25 February 2016 Ofcom published its initial conclusions from its strategic review of the UK’s digital communications market. Whilst much of the headline press coverage has focused on BT being able to retain Openreach, provided its governance is reformed, Ofcom’s review goes much wider than the regulation of Openreach and sets the strategic direction for UK…
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Singapore decides framework for allocation of 235 MHz of additional spectrum and encourages 4th MNO
On the 18 February 2016, Singapore’s Infocomm Development Agency (IDA) published its decision on the framework for the allocation of an additional 235 MHz of spectrum. This follows their earlier consultations. Key points are set out below: Two stage process to encourage market entry by new entrant (4th MNO) The IDA wants to encourage market entry…
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Governing development finance organisations: measuring development impact
Governance is important for both private and public sector organisations. For development finance organisations (such as IFC, CDC, Africa Development Bank and Asia Development Bank) which are publicly funded and invest in developing countries it is critical. A key part of governance is measuring the development impact that they have through setting goals and measuring the…
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ASEAN | China | EU | Government policy | Telecoms regulation | US
Global IT tariffs eliminated? WTO wakes up?
Used under a creative commons licence granted by Alejandro Linares Garcia “Mr. Praline: Look, matey, I know a dead parrot when I see one, and I’m looking at one right now. Owner: No no he’s not dead, he’s, he’s restin’! Remarkable bird, the Norwegian Blue, idn’it, ay? Beautiful plumage!” – Monty Python Based on a…
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Korea leads the world with cloud law encouraging cloud use
On 3rd March 2015, Korea passed the world’s first cloud-specific law, with the stated aim of driving the adoption of cloud computing in Korea. But what are the practical implications for cloud customers and cloud services providers in Korea? This guest post is written by Daniel Jung and @matthew1hunter. When does the Korean Cloud Act come into force?…
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UK withdraws proposed updates to the Electronic Communications Code
On 22 January 2015, the UK Government withdrew its proposed changes to the Electronic Communications Code. As the changes were unexpected, more time for consultation is not entirely unwelcome. However, as the changes in large part were positive, I hope that this is only a delay and the proposals will be brought forward in due…
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UK proposes surprise changes to the Electronic Communications Code
In a surprise move, on 13 January the UK government announced plans to update the elderly (and, even to the House of Lords, rather incomprehensible) Electronic Communications Code which deals with the rights of telecoms operators to access public and private land. Whilst the proposed changes in large part adopt the recommendations of the Law Commission’s report…
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MAS Embraces Cloud: A Silver Lining
There should be relief at the moment felt by financial institutions and cloud service providers alike, following the release of the MAS’s consultation on the proposed new outsourcing notice and updated guidelines as mentioned in Rob’s previous post. The MAS doesn’t use the word “cloud” expressly in its consultation. However, the MAS has made important changes…
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Responsible investment in Myanmar
Myanmar is a country with tremendous opportunities, but also tremendous risks. I was fortunate enough to host and chair a seminar in Singapore yesterday on responsible investment into Myanmar. Introduction by Rt. Hon Hugo Swire MP The seminar started with an introduction and overview by the Rt. Hon Hugo Swire MP, Minister of State, Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Hugo…
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Advocate General Pedro Cruz Villalón issues damning opinion on the Data Retention Directive
Last week (12/12/2013), a serious blow was dealt to one of the fundamental building blocks establishing the legal framework for retention of data for law enforcement across Europe. Advocate General Pedro Cruz Villalón (AG) at the Court of Justice of the European Union (ECJ) delivered an opinion stating that the Data Retention Directive (DRD) is, as a whole,…