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
Regulated wholesale services cost modelling
We developed top-down and bottom-up cost models of fixed and mobile networks for ICASA, the South African telecoms regulator.
The model could apply both the LRAIC+ and LRIC standards to quantify the costs of regulated wholesale services for both large and small hypothetical operators. Our support included the collection of confidential data from operators, participation in industry workshops and public hearings, as well as one-to-one sessions with operators and training of ICASA’s project team.
The fixed and mobile wholesale charges determined during this process were adopted in October 2018.
Analysis on zero rating's impact on competition
In a study for the European Commission, we provided an assessment of zero-rating practices across Europe from a competition perspective.
The project included an overview of zero-rating practices across Europe, a literature review on zero-rating, and the development of a high-level framework assessing the impact of zero-rating on competition and efficiency.
Our research suggested that zero-rating should be a competition concern unless there is some form of exclusivity on owner-operated content.
Feasibility study on FNP in Malaysia
We advised MCMC, the Malaysian telecoms regulator, on whether and how to mandate the implementation of Fixed Number Portability (FNP).
Our recommendations were based on a detailed international benchmarking exercise of countries to have deployed FNP, as well as consultation with the industry in the form of an industry questionnaire and one-to-one meetings. We also performed a cost-benefit analysis based on best practice modelling techniques before presenting the results of this study to MCMC’s senior management.
Review of market competitiveness
We prepared a report to assess the competitiveness of the fixed and mobile market in a Middle Eastern country on behalf of one of the market players.
As a first step, we assessed the market’s health, including competition, as well as the quality and affordability of telecoms services. Next, we assessed the potential impact of a market entry, utilising local and international benchmarks. We concluded the project by outlining the priority areas for regulatory action in the market.
Design guidelines for replicability tests
We helped a major fixed and mobile operator to influence the design of replicability tests, providing design guidelines to the regulator based on best practice methods.
Our approach focused on providing practical guidance to the regulator and our recommendations were informed by detailed benchmarking of international practices regarding economic replicability tests.
We conducted a workshop with the regulator to present our recommendations.
Relevant articles & reports
Paving the way to Open RAN adoption
Paving the way to Open RAN adoption
27 September 2024
By opening up the traditional telecoms equipment supply market, Open RAN aims to reduce reliance on a handful of dominant providers […]
Why Europe needs to embrace dynamic spectrum assignment
30 July 2024
Dynamic assignment is the ultimate future way of managing radio spectrum. In this article, we argue that Europe must start adopting this approach in pioneer bands, otherwise it […]
The rise of the machines – will AI be the death knell for traditional spectrum managers?
5 July 2024
As the rise of AI continues, regulators are starting to explore how it could be used in spectrum management. This leads spectrum managers to consider how AI […]
