Policy & regulation
We work with regulators, governments, and industry players to develop and implement regulatory policies.
Regulation is a key part of the environment in which fixed and mobile broadband suppliers operate. It is also the main means by which governments seek to promote competition, investment, and universal availability of services.
We work with regulators and governments to develop and implement regulatory policies. We also help industry players to shape policy development.
Our consultants help regulators to undertake, and industry players to respond to, consultations of all kinds, from costing methodologies and wholesale price controls, right through to forward-looking market competition reviews.
Our policy & regulation services
Policy development
We support regulators and government bodies develop a stance on policy issues by analysing the possible outcomes of different approaches, and crafting market-specific arguments to explain and support our policy recommendations.
Cost models
We develop and audit cost models for regulators and regulated firms, working across the full range of model types (top-down, bottom-up etc.) and methodological issues (cost of capital, efficiency etc.).
Advocacy
We work with industry associations, regulators, operators and other key players to prepare white papers on a variety of topics with clear narratives and thorough analysis, supporting clients to present their stance ahead of policy decisions.
International benchmarking
We help operators and regulators to understand why countries have adopted different regulatory approaches, and advise them on the formulation of policies appropriate to their own situations.
Market competition reviews
We help regulators to undertake, and operators to respond to, investigations into market competitiveness, market definition, and situations of preponderance or market power, based on quantitative insights.
Margin squeeze and economic replicability
We develop margin squeeze and economic replicability tests on behalf of regulators and operators, supporting them to set wholesale prices and promote competition.
Our project experience
Relevant articles & reports
The impact of a Vodafone/Three merger on the UK fibre market
18 March 2024
In June 2023, Vodafone and Three UK announced their intention to create the UK’s biggest mobile network operator.[1] The proposal is still under investigation by […]
A new direction in European telco merger policy?
16 February 2024
For years, the European Commission has resisted consolidation but are we about to see a new direction in favour of scale?
The Commission’s highly anticipated white paper on […]
Study to assess the spectrum situation in Germany
January 2024
Aetha recently released a study commissioned by 1&1 to assess the spectrum situation in Germany. The study finds that there are good, rational arguments to rethink the currently […]