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ComReg’s first enforcement action under the Universal Service Regulations

In a recent significant judgment with wide-ranging implications for electronic communications service providers, the High Court of Ireland has clarified the legal framework governing consumer switching under the Universal Service Regulations. The case, brought by the Commission for Communications Regulation (otherwise known as ComReg) against Virgin Media Ireland Ltd, was the first of its kind under Regulation 31, which empowers the High Court to declare non-compliance with the obligations imposed on communication providers by the European Communities (Electronic Communications Networks and Services) (Universal Service and Users’ Rights) Regulations.

Released on Jul 17, 2025

Digital platform regulation: developments in Germany

The past few years have seen the emergence of section 19a of the Act against Restraints of Competition as a central instrument for Germany’s intervention in digital markets, with the German Federal Supreme Court (Bundesgerichtshof or BGH) upholding the German Federal Cartel Office’s (Bundeskartellamt) decisions. This national regime complements the harmonised European Union-wide regime introduced by the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The Bundeskartellamt remains at the forefront of digital platform regulation in Europe, serving as both an enforcer and a testing ground for innovative approaches. This article provides an overview of the evolving regulatory landscape, the interplay between German and EU law and recent enforcement actions against major digital platforms.

Released on Jul 17, 2025

The NIS2 Directive in Bulgaria: telcos may face overlapping rules and be subject to multiple supervisory authorities

Directive (EU) 2022/2555 on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union, amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 and Directive (EU) 2018/1972, and repealing Directive (EU) 2016/1148, commonly referred to as the NIS2 Directive, was due to be transposed into law and applied in Bulgaria by 17 October 2024. However, delays in the transposition of the law have been observed across most EU Member States. As of June 2025, Bulgaria’s transposition of the NIS2 Directive remains in the final stage of the legislative process before the national Parliament.

Released on Jul 17, 2025

The e-communications framework in Ukraine: a general overview

This article examines the regulatory framework in Ukraine for the electronic communications sector, established by the Law on Electronic Communications and its primary goal of achieving harmonisation with European Union legislation. It highlights the key regulatory pillars applicable to the sector, including the principles of general authorisation for market entry, radio frequency spectrum management and enhanced end-user rights. The article also addresses the special regulatory regime under martial law, the sanctions framework and key future developments aimed at the market’s continued evolution.

Released on Jul 17, 2025

Legal and ethical challenges in AI-powered smart homes: protecting data, cybersecurity and promoting sustainable innovation in digital economies

AI-powered smart homes leverage IoT to promote sustainable living by optimising energy, security, and comfort. These systems manage resources, adapt to changing conditions, and anticipate future demands, decreasing waste and costs while supporting sustainable energy goals. Ghana's 2024 Digital Economy Policy incorporates ethical AI, data privacy, and cybersecurity, allowing authorities to defend rights and foster confidence.

Released on Jul 17, 2025

Preventing minors’ access to harmful content in Poland

Poland is working on new law aimed at guaranteeing the safety of minors on the internet, by increasing the responsibility of the providers of electronic services for the content published on their services.

Released on Jul 17, 2025

Digital platform regulatory reforms in Australia

After legislating to create the world’s first News Media and Digital Platforms Mandatory Bargaining Code in March 2021, Australia has moved very slowly in regard to introducing other digital platform-specific reforms. That may be about to change in 2025, as the Australian government progresses its consultation on a range of reforms.

Released on Jul 16, 2025

Japan’s emerging framework for responsible AI: legislation, guidelines and guidance

Japan is shaping a distinctive artificial intelligence (AI) governance model built on non-binding, yet strategic, instruments: a promotional act, practical business guidelines and evolving legal interpretations addressing generative AI. This layered approach balances innovation and accountability, while promoting international harmonisation.

Released on Jul 16, 2025

The regulation of foundation models in the EU AI Act

Among the various aspects of the EU artificial intelligence (AI) regulation (“the ‘AI Act’), that of the foundation models was one of the most controversial and contentious of the entire interinstitutional negotiation, capable right up until the end of derailing the agreement in the trilogue and spreading uncertainty even up to the date of the definitive approval by part of the Committee of the Permanent Representatives of the Governments of the Member States to the European Union (Coreper) on 2 February 2024.

Released on Apr 12, 2024

‘How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?’: A brief overview of the European Commission White Paper

On 21 February, the European Commission published a White Paper on ‘How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?’ in view of the technological, economic and geopolitical challenges facing the EU in the digital decade. This White Paper identifies key trends and challenges in the digital infrastructure sector and discusses possible scenarios for public policy actions, such as a possible future Digital Networks Act, which aims to incentivise the building of the digital networks of the future, master the transition to new technologies and business models, meet the future connectivity needs of all end-users, underpin the competitiveness of our economy, and ensure secure and resilient infrastructures as well as the EU’s economic security. The White Paper proposes three main pillars of action: creating the 3C Network – ‘Connected Collaborative Computing’; completing the Digital Single Market; and ensuring secure and resilient digital infrastructures for Europe. It launches a broad consultation of stakeholders and invites comments until 30 June 2024. This article provides a summary of the White Paper.

Released on Apr 12, 2024

Pakistan's IT and ITeS export strategy: a gateway to economic prosperity and global recognition

Pakistan's recent launch of its first-ever information technology (IT) and IT-enabled services (ITeS) Export Strategy, which aims to raise IT exports to $10 billion over the next three years, represents a pivotal moment in the country's economic and technological progress.

Released on Apr 12, 2024

Tackling interconnect debts in the Nigerian telecommunications industry

A troubling feature of interconnection relationships in Nigeria is the huge interconnect debt profile of many operators. It appears that some operators have taken undue advantage of the fact that their creditors cannot unilaterally disconnect without the approval of the telecoms industry regulator.

Released on Apr 12, 2024

Investment and deployment of submarine cables: achieving a friendlier national and European regulatory environment

This article explores the Portuguese and European regulatory environment for the growing submarine telecommunications cables industry. It juxtaposes Portugal's proactive strategies to simplify the installation process with the current and upcoming European and national frameworks governing this sector, thus offering valuable insights for potential investors in this industry.

Released on Apr 12, 2024

Regulation of access to telecom physical infrastructure for deployment of electronic communications networks in Bulgaria: model for infrastructure access regulation or going in circles?

The Bulgarian Communications Regulation Commission plans to reinstate the asymmetrical regulation of access to telecom physical infrastructure for the deployment of electronic communications networks, which was withdrawn in its last market analysis of the wholesale local access market in 2019.

Released on Apr 12, 2024

Italy – its unusual route towards a ‘single ultra broadband network’

A robust broadband infrastructure is vital for a country’s economic growth and technological advancement. With this in mind, the Italian Government has set the objective of ensuring broadband internet access for every household.

Released on Sep 21, 2023

Fair share: what stage is the European legislative proposal on the internet tax at?

The European ‘fair share’ debate is certainly one of the ‘telecommunications’ hypes of 2023, and so far has created an incredible mass of work for consultants, lobbyists and conference organisers. This subject has become an absolute priority for the largest European telcos, assuming a very important role in the digital agenda of the European Commission lead by commissioner Thierry Breton, former Chief Executive Officer of Orange, the French telecom incumbent.

Released on Sep 13, 2023

Chile: The implications and pending challenges of recent cybersecurity regulations in Chile

This article seeks to address the cybersecurity bill currently being discussed in the Chilean Congress, identifying its main innovations and pending issues.

Released on Jul 24, 2023

Navigating the maze: implications of the EU’s AI Regulatory Framework for the electronic communications sector

: The proposed AIA and the proposals of the PLD II and AI Liability Directives of the European Commission will significantly impact AI systems within the electronic communications sector. This article examines key components of the impending AI Regulatory Framework and its potential effects on the electronic communications sector.

Released on Jul 24, 2023

M2M and IoT – similarities, differences and the European Regulatory Framework

M2M communications and IoT technologies are revolutionising connectivity between devices, offering smart solutions and creating new market opportunities. However, ensuring regulatory compliance, robust security measures and adequate contractual design are essential to maximise their benefits and mitigate potential risks.

Released on Jul 24, 2023

Regulation of digital platform services in Australia: tracking the European Union

In recent years, Australia has, similarly to the European Union and many other jurisdictions, shone a regulatory spotlight on the practices of digital platforms. This article looks at the steps Australia has taken – and is proposing to take – to regulate those platforms, including through the introduction of equivalent laws to the European Union’s Digital Markets Act (DMA) and Digital Services Act (DSA).

Released on Jul 24, 2023

Data privacy and protection in Pakistan

The dynamic adoption of technology has made the transfer and storage of private and personal data convenient, as the majority of transactions are now generated electronically. The exchange of data through such means has globally pushed for regulation of the collection, handling and processing of personal data and information in order to ensure its privacy and protection.

Released on Jul 24, 2023

Internet regulation – legislative proposals in Brazil

Digital Market Act- and Digital Services Act-like bills of law are being discussed in the Brazilian National Congress. At the same time, the Brazilian Supreme Federal Court is close to ruling the leading case on a platform’s liability for user-generated content.

Released on Jul 24, 2023

Cybersecurity in the electronic communications sector in Europe: navigating the digital frontier

In an era where digital has become the cornerstone of human society, cybersecurity has encountered unprecedent focus. Recognising the importance of ensuring security and the specific challenges of the electronic communications sector, the European Union has been establishing a robust legal framework, demanding a proactive and evolving approach against increasing and evolving cyber threats. However, cybersecurity is not a static field and, with technology continually advancing, this legal framework is constantly evolving, posing challenges to organisations.

Released on Jul 24, 2023

In search of a definition for private electronic communications networks (ECN) and non-publicly available electronic communications services (ECS)

The deployment of 5G network-based solutions and the increasing use of IoT technologies (in multiple fields, from healthcare to smart cities, industry and agriculture) have driven the demand for private connectivity systems. Despite establishing different regimes, the EU Electronic Communications Code (EECC) does not clearly distinguish between publicly accessible and non-publicly accessible electronic communications services.

Released on Jul 24, 2023

The Data Act: new EU rules for data sharing

The European Union‘s strategy for data, aims at creating a single market for data that will allow it to flow freely within the EU and across sectors for the benefit of businesses, researchers and public administrations. The free movement of data is defined as the ‘five freedoms’ of the European market. In this context, on 23 February 2022 the European Commission published its proposal for a regulation on harmonised rules on fair access to and use of data.

Released on Oct 14, 2022

Communications Law Committee (CLC) – Message from the Chairs – October 2022

Released on Oct 14, 2022

Around the world – developments, trends and news impacting the communications sector*

A collection of developments, trends and news impacting the communications sector around the world.

Released on Oct 14, 2022

The Communications Commission's Licensing Framework for the Establishment of Mobile Virtual Network Operators in Nigeria: a review

This article gives an overview of the recently published Licensing Framework for the Establishment of Mobile Virtual Network Operators (MVNOs) in Nigeria. The Framework provides for a four-tier system, while a fifth-tier unified virtual operator may decide the level of service it desires to offer from tiers 1 to 4. The conditions of all five tiers are outlined in brief.

Released on Jun 20, 2022

The history and fundamentals of Turkish data protection law

This article considers the history and fundamentals of Turkish data protection law.

Released on Jun 20, 2022

Considerations regarding the potential refarming process for the 3.5 GHz band in Chile

This article argues that a potential refarming of frequency bands in the 3.4-3.6 GHz range in Chile should only be carried out following an in-depth analysis by the state’s telecom regulator, as it might involve a series of exceptional measures that could affect the telecom market structure and the rights and obligations of telecom concessionaires.

Released on Jun 20, 2022