February 2017: Highlights and Activities

International Meetings attended by MCA representatives

The 44th Plenary meeting of the Electronic Communications Committee (ECC)
A representative of the MCA participated in the Electronic Communications Committee’s 44th plenary meeting between the 28th February and 3rd March 2017 in Dublin, Ireland. The meeting considered the progress of the work being undertaken by the various working groups and project teams falling within the ECC. In particular, the meeting approved a number of ECC deliverables aimed to harmonise the use of spectrum for specific services and an Addendum to the CEPT report 59 in response to the EC Permanent Mandate on the “Annual update of the technical annex of the Commission’s Decision on the technical harmonisation of radio spectrum for use by short range devices”. This report addresses the harmonisation of spectrum within the bands 870-876 MHz, 915-921 MHz and 862-868 MHz.

The CEPT roadmap on 5G and the associated work being undertaken in response to the EC Mandate on 5G were analysed. Technical and regulatory aspects relating to mobile indoor coverage, GSM-R, PMSE, PMR/PAMR, 5GHz RLAN interference, the 700 MHz band and a newwork item to carry out studies in the 6GHz band for wireless access systems were also considered.

IRG General Assembly of 2017 and 30th BEREC Plenary
MCA officials participated in the IRG General Assembly 2017 and the 30th BEREC Plenary on the 23rd and 24th February 2017 in Paris, France. During the BEREC meeting, the Head of Regulatory Authorities discussed the Mid-term Strategy of the entity for the period 2018-2020. The Plenary approved a document which will be published for consultation using its recently deployed online public consultation tool. Other matters discussed by the regulators include the status of the workstreams contained in its annual Work Programme, regulatory accounting, mobile roaming within the EU and the proposal of the European Commission which set the ball rolling for the updating of the EU legislation for electronic communications. Moreover, the delegates exchanged their experience in the implementation of the European rules of the open internet, also known as Net Neutrality. The MCA was also invited to attend a conference commemorating the 20th anniversary of the setting up of ARCEP, the French Regulator. This event was held on the 22nd February 2017.

BEREC Benchmarking Kick Off Working Group Meeting
An MCA representative attended the BEREC Benchmarking Kick Off Working Group meeting on the 17th February 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. The PRDs for 2017 were discussed and the main focus was on the data gathering regarding the OTT services and Business Indicators. The OTT PRD is aimed at identifying a number of OTT related indicators and discuss with Eurostat to review or add their questionnaire to include these indicators.

The Business Indicator PRD is focused on identifying a number of market indicators that are mainly focused on the business aspect so that a more global picture of the markets is obtained, that is residential and business.

BEREC Net Neutrality Working Group
An MCA official participated in the first Net Neutrality expert working group for this year on the 15th February 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. Compliance of the Net Neutrality Code will be the main topic under discussion during 2017. Discussion will also focus on Quality of Service (QoS) measurements by the NRA and the evaluation of deployment of an EU-wide common platform for the measurement of QoS.

ECS Galileo
A representative of the MCA participated in the ECS Galileo meeting on the 14th and 15th February 2017 in Brussels Belgium. The European GNSS Programmes Committee meeting is the fora where the GSA, ESA, the Commission and representatives of the member states reconvene to discuss the progress made and other arising matters with regard to the Galileo Project. The agenda of the meeting included Galileo Programme Management, infrastructure deployment, and the use of GALILEO within the aviation industry in particular, security risks and the Galileo Exploitation programme.

An overview on the first few months during which commercial services were being offered was presented during the meeting.  Further improvements and advances are being actively carried out on all fronts of the GALILEO platform, even though the commercial services offered were doing well beyond specified figures. In addition, the GSA and the ESA provided further insight on the technical issues being experienced on the constellation, as well as the mitigation measures that are planned to be carried out in order to resolve the matters.

European Regulators Group for Postal Services Working Group Meeting
An MCA official attended the European Regulators Group for Postal Services Working Group (ERGP-WG) meeting on the 14th February 2017 in Bratislava, Slovakia. Among the subjects up for discussion, there were two Work Streams centred around:

  1. Developing a common set of criteria to ensure comparability of different users’ studies in the future
  2. The ERGP’s report on the assessment of the possible changes of the USO scope in the light of market development and their impact on universal service sustainability.

BEREC Regulatory Framework Expert Working Group on Spectrum
An MCA official participated in the 2nd meeting of the BEREC Regulatory Framework Expert Working Group on Spectrum on the 9th February 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the main elements of a report on the European Commission’s proposal published in September 2016 as part of the EU Telecoms framework review, in respect to the spectrum provisions. The 3rd meeting of this group is expected to be held in March to finalise this report.

BEREC and TERA Consulting Training on the New Framework and Roaming Updates
A representative of the MCA attended the BEREC and TERA Consulting Training on the New Framework and Roaming Updates between the 6th and 8th February 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. This was the second out of four sessions being provided by BEREC and TERA Consultants on cost modelling techniques and the New Framework. These are planned training seminars, inviting each NRA to send a representative. Two other sessions will follow in the coming weeks.

BEREC Remedies Expert Working Group Meeting
An MCA representative participated in the BEREC Remedies Expert Working Group on the 7th February 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. The discussion focused mainly on three of the work-streams planned for this year namely:

  1. The PRD concerning the review of the common positions on network access provided at a fixed location (markets 3a, 3b and 4)
  2. The PRD concerning convergence of fixed and mobile networks
  3. The PRD concerning the update of the database of Article 7/7a Phase II cases

In relation to the first PRD, discussion focused on what type of developments are being observed in the relevant markets and how these developments impact on or may influence the regulatory choices of NRAs. The deliverable of this PRD is an internal report which will be presented in Plenary 4 of 2017. The draft structure of the internal report was also briefly discussed and potential changes were highlighted.

In the case of the PRD concerning fixed-to-mobile convergence, specific reference was made to the prevailing situation in EU member states regarding operators’ strategies for ensuring backhaul connectivity in a fixed to mobile convergent context and how NRAs have responded to trends observed in this area. Reference was briefly made to the regulatory implications that could arise from changes in the current Regulatory Framework. The deliverable of this project is also an internal report to be presented in Plenary 3 of this year.

As for the PRD concerning Article 7/7a Phase II cases, it was highlighted that the conclusion of each Phase II case will be included in the database and will be circulated among REM EWG members for comments. The internal report would then be updated accordingly and presented in Plenary 4.

The 42nd Radio Spectrum Policy Group Meeting
An MCA official attended the 42nd Radio Spectrum Policy Group (RSPG) meeting on the 7th February 2017 in Brussels, Belgium. During the meeting the RSPG adopted its input document to the Framework Review, an Opinion on Internet of Things, an Opinion on Intelligent Transport Systems and an Interim Opinion on WRC 19. The RSPG’s work will now focus on further work on 5G, as well as the strategic spectrum needs for PMSE (Programme Making and Special Events) and preparations for the next World Radio Communications Conference. The RSPG will also work jointly with BEREC on mobile coverage and on spectrum innovation.

BEREC/IRG Contact Network Meeting
A representative of the MCA participated in the BEREC/IRG Contact Network Meeting on the 2nd and 3rd February 2017 in Malmo, Sweden. The objective of this meeting was to prepare for the 30th plenary meeting of the BEREC Board of Regulators and the BEREC Office Management Committee, as well as the General Assembly of the Independent Regulators Group, all of which took place on the 23rd and 24th February 2017 in Paris, France.

Start-up Europe after 2 Years Conference
Representatives of the MCA attended the Start-up Europe after 2 Years (SEA2Y) Conference on the 2nd February 2017 at the Spanish Embassy in Brussels, Belgium. SEA2Y formed part of the Start-up Europe Week 2017 initiative organised by the DG Connect of the European Commission. The primary objectives of the conference were to provide delegates with an update on state-of-play of European Start-up Ecosystems and related EU policies, an insight on the achievements of the Start-up Europe projects and an opportunity to engage with Start-up Europe network and other delegates.

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Media participation by MCA

MCA representatives’ participation in radio and television programmes.

Television

27.02.17:              ‘Life & Style’ – Net TV 
                             (Get Smarter – Matthew Borg)
                             http://bit.ly/2nAzk9e

24.02.17               ‘Pudinu u Sħabu’ – TVM
                             (BeSmartOnline! Campaign – Pauline Miceli, Commissioner for Children)
                             http://bit.ly/2nAJsyJ

 24.02.17              ‘Pudinu u Sħabu’ – TV
                             (BeSmartOnline! Campaign – Mark Spiteri)
                             http://bit.ly/2nAIVgk

13.02.17               ‘Gadgets’ – TVM
                             (Tip 6: WiFi Hotspots - Stephen Muscat)
                             http://bit.ly/2mnMF3H

13.02.17               ‘One Breakfast’ – One TV
                             (Get Smarter – Matthew Borg & Marcelle Attard)
                             http://bit.ly/2lX3GXb

06.02.17               ‘Gadgets’ – TVM
                             (Consumer Tip 5: Mobile Data -  Yanika Cassar)
                             http://bit.ly/2lXcuMO

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Legal Updates

Pending lawsuits

  • 7th February 2017: Melita Limited vs MCA - imposition of one off and daily fine on Melita for having failed to undertake an audit of its billing processes in 2010. Melita contested a decision given by the Administrative Review Tribunal [which confirmed MCA's decision] before the Court of Appeal. Case was adjourned by the Court of Appeal to the 28th April 2017 for a final decision.
  • 21st February 2017: Melita Limited vs Director General (Consumer Affairs) before the Competition and Consumer Appeals Tribunal whereby the Tribunal confirmed the decision of the DG (Consumer Affairs) re adverts by Melita using the term 'unlimited' in promoting some of its products whereby the DG had decided that such adverts constituted an unfair commercial practice. The issue arose in 2012 after a request by the MCA seeking the DG's intervention.
  • 21st February 2017: Vodafone vs MCA pending before ART – contestation of MCA MTR decision of 2014 before the Administrative Review Tribunal. Continuation of evidence by parties. Stands adjourned for 25 April for MCA’s final written submissions in response to those by Vodafone.
  • 21st February 2017: Melita vs MCA before the Administrative Review Tribunal – Melita’s contestation of MCA ruling following Melita’s complaint about GO’s bundling of products issued in 2010. Adjourned for the 25th April 2017 for the cross-examination of an MCA witness.
  • 21st February 2017: Vodafone vs MCA – contesting MCA’s decision entitled ‘Virtual unbundled Access to Fibre-to-the-home: implementing the VULA remedy’ – adjourned to the 25th April 2017 for continuation of evidence by Vodafone.
  • 21st February 2017: Vodafone vs MCA contesting MCA’s decision entitled ‘“Wholesale call origination on the public telephone network provided at a fixed location in Malta – MCA decision on market definition and the assessment of competition”. Case was adjourned to the 25th April 2017 for the evidence by Vodafone.
  • 21st February 2017: Vodafone vs MCA – before the Administrative Review Tribunal contesting an MCA decision following a dispute filed by Vodafone against GO plc requesting access to GO’s ducts networks. Case was adjourned to the 25th April 2017 for Vodafone’s evidence. 
  • 21st February 2017: Melita vs MCA - contestation of a fine imposed on Melita in relation to failure of continued billing of subscriber contracts which had been terminated. Tribunal confirmed the MCA's decision and fine.
  • 21st February 2017: Melita vs MCA - contestation of an MCA’s decision re directory services information. Case was adjourned for the 25th April 2017 for the Tribunal's decision.
  • 23rd February 2017: Vodafone Malta Limited et vs MCA et - Legal Interception contribution costs before First Hall - conclusion of evidence by parties. Adjourned to the 27th June 2017 for final submissions. 
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International News

REGULATION

Cullen International: European Commission has serious doubt that KPN still has SMP on wholesale high quality access (market 4/2014)
The European Commission questions whether KPN has significant market power (SMP) in the wholesale market for high quality access at a fixed location (market 4/2014). Even if KPN does have SMP, the Commission believes that this would only apply to the segment of the market for access based on copper [read more – subscription required].

Ars Technica: ISPs who don’t want competition get good news from FCC chair
The Federal Communications Commission is preparing to eliminate a requirement that Charter Communications compete against other ISPs with new broadband deployments spurred by its purchase of Time Warner Cable [read more].

European Council: More portable digital services: EU ambassadors confirm agreement
EU ambassadors have endorsed new rules to allow consumers who paid for online content services in their home country to access them when visiting another country within the EU [read more].

European Commission: Connecting Europe Facility Telecom: over €27 million to foster the European digital service ecosystem
The European Commission has opened a call for proposals under the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to stimulate and support the deployment of European Digital Service Infrastructures (DSIs). Up to €27.5 million will be made available to meet the needs of public administrations, businesses and citizens in their cross-border activities. The deadline for submitting proposals is 18 May 2017 [read more].

European Council: Portability of digital content services: EU Presidency-Parliament agreement
On 7 February the Maltese presidency reached a provisional agreement with European Parliament representatives to remove barriers to cross-border portability of online content services in the internal market [read more].

Cullen International: BlaBlaCar is just an information society service, Spanish court rules
A Spanish court (Juzgado de lo Mercantil nº 2 de Madrid) ruled on February 2, 2017 that BlaBlaCar, the platform connecting drivers to passengers looking for long distance rides, is not subject to the Spanish transport legislation, thereby providing only an information society service. Consequently, to provide its services BlaBlaCar should not be subject to a licence. The ruling can be appealed before a higher court [read more – subscription required].

Cullen International: BEREC workshop – Stakeholders agree on cautious regulatory approach to IoT/M2M
BEREC and other stakeholders agree that the development of the Internet of Things (IoT) does not require major targeted regulatory actions. Availability of scarce resources, such as numbering and spectrum, have not stifled the development of IoT so far. These are the main conclusions of BEREC’s IoT workshop on February 1, 2017 [read more – subscription required].

Cullen International: Pirate Bay in breach of copyright says Advocate General of top EU court
File-share websites such as The Pirate Bay are themselves in breach of copyright if they are aware that works are made available over peer-to-peer networks in breach of copyright and if they do not make sure that the work cannot be accessed. This is what Advocate General Szpunar decided on February 8, 2017 [read more – subscription required].

Ars Technica: Net neutrality assault can be stopped by citizens, Senate Democrats say
US Senate Democrats have vowed that they won't let net neutrality rules be eliminated without a fight, and they urged citizens to make their voices heard by lawmakers and Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai [read more].

European Council: End of roaming charges: informal deal on wholesale market reform
The abolition of mobile roaming fees for consumers by the summer will be secured by a steep drop in maximum wholesale roaming prices. On 31 January 2017 the Council presidency reached a provisional agreement with the European Parliament on new wholesale caps, which will be around 90% lower than current ones. Wholesale roaming reform is the last piece of legislation required before retail roaming fees can be abolished on 15 June 2017 [read more].

Cullen International: Telenor Hungary found to infringe EU net neutrality rules
NMHH, the Hungarian regulator, considers that Telenor Hungary made an unjustified distinction between specific content types by including, in some pre-paid mobile offers, unlimited access to specific instant messaging applications, or to specific music and online radio services.

European Commission: Commission reports on the public consultation on the Termination Rates Recommendation
The Commission has just published the results of the Public Consultation on the Termination Rates Recommendation. The respondents provided their view on the impact of the Recommendation, and whether the current regulatory approach should be maintained or amended [read more].

Cullen International: Some MEPs disagree over need for an e-Privacy instrument
“e-Privacy is something we have already regulated it the General Data Protection Regulation and the rest could be implemented in the telecoms package”, said MEP Axel Voss (EPP, Germany), former shadow rapporteur on the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). “Do we really need an additional e-Privacy Regulation?” he questioned [read more – subscription required].

Cullen International: European Commission opens three antitrust investigations into possible online sales restrictions
The European Commission has opened separate investigations into three possible infringements of article 101 TFEU on anticompetitive agreements, all consisting of restricting online sales [read more – subscription required].

Ars Technica: FCC rescinds claim that AT&T and Verizon violated net neutrality
The Federal Communications Commission's new Republican leadership has rescinded a determination that AT&T and Verizon Wireless violated net neutrality rules with paid data cap exemptions. The FCC also rescinded several other Wheeler-era reports and actions [read more].

Telecoms.com: Indian telecoms regulator gives Jio tactics the green light
Disruptive Indian MNO Jio keeps buying subscribers with give-aways and the telecom regulatory authority of India (TRAI) has no problem with that [read more].

SPECTRUM

Policy Tracker: Hearing in Commission vs. Council WRC-15 case due in May
A hearing due to take place at the European Court of Justice (ECJ) on 2 May will provide the basis for a ruling on just how much influence the European Commission should have over international spectrum bargaining positions [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: UK regulator rules out 450-470MHz alignment with rest of Europe
Ofcom has signalled the end of a long-running discussion over whether 450-470MHz should be harmonised with the rest of Europe, saying it is not necessary or proportionate to do so [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: Standards development does not match UK's LTE PPDR network timescales
The UK's Emergency Services Network (ESN) project is due to launch this September but the development of standards is not following the same schedule. Erik Guttman of 3GPP told PolicyTracker that the UK Home Office has worked closely with 3GPP but said it was up to organisations how they use its standards [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: FCC approves first LTE-U devices in 5GHz band
The first-ever authorisation for LTE-Unlicensed (LTE-U) devices to operate in the Wi-Fi 5GHz band will be a win for consumers, the US regulator says. Public interest groups aren't so sure, saying the Federal Communications Commission risks disrupting new Wi-Fi services. T-Mobile said it would launch LTE-U services in the spring [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: We know exactly what 5G is, says ETSI CTO
European Telecommunications Standards Institute chief technical officer Adrian Scrase says 5G will at least initially be focused on enhanced mobile broadband [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: Europe's PPDR industry to stick with Tetra for next 10 years
Europe's PPDR industry is sceptical about the progress of the UK’s LTE PPDR network programme and is pursuing a more evolutionary approach to the development of critical communications technology [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: Polish industry associations unhappy with spectrum changes
Poland’s Ministry of Digital Affairs aims to allocate the 694-790MHz band for IMT before the EU finalises the text of its 700MHz agreement, but local broadcasting and IT & telecoms industry associations are protesting against the draft regulation that amends the spectrum allocation table [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: Three UK's acquisition of 3.5GHz broadband operator won't redress the balance of spectrum holdings
Three UK's acquisition of UK Broadband, if approved, will give the operator more spectrum for 4G and 5G down the road but won't alleviate its current concerns about unbalanced spectrum distribution. Those concerns are shared by rival operator O2 [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: Ofcom provides an update on its 5G spectrum plans
The UK regulator plans to focus on the 700MHz, 3.4-3.6GHz, 3.6-3.8GHz and 26GHz bands for the time being as it looks to build consensus on globally harmonised bands [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: Dutch issue plan for 700MHz, 1.4GHz and 2.1GHz auction
The country’s Ministry of Economic Affairs (MEA) has outlined its plan to apply spectrum caps and coverage obligations in the upcoming 700MHz, 1.4GHz and 2.1GHz auction [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: Revised Swedish 700MHz auction schedule to be unveiled later this year
The Swedish government had halted plans to auction spectrum in the 700MHz band late last year under pressure from Swedish public safety authorities [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: Denmark to seek new PPDR communications provider
A representative of the Danish National Police says the tender process will start in September [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: mmWave deals in US give indication of spectrum value
US operators Verizon and AT&T are both set to conclude deals to acquire spectrum above 24GHz by the end of the year from other companies, while a financial firm has doubts about spectrum bank Straight Path’s ability to sell its holdings for a high price [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: "Downlink-only" access below 700MHz dropped from Brussels proposal on UHF
The European Parliament's Committee on Industry, Research and Energy (ITRE) has approved the axing of a "downlink-only" (SDL) clause in the proposed EU decision on the UHF band. In the US, the band plan for 600MHz after the incentive auction also makes the introduction of SDL unlikely in that band [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: Ubiquitous connectivity is unlikely without collaboration
The UK’s National Infrastructure Commission (NIC) is considering less than full connectivity on roads, raising questions about the more ambitious elements of the 5G vision [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: New FCC chair likely to focus on spectrum for mobile and 5G
The newly appointed Federal Communications Commission Chairman Ajit Pai looks set to prioritise finalising the spectrum incentive auction, freeing spectrum for 5G and clawing back government spectrum for commercial use [read more – subscription required].

Policy Tracker: FCC details broadcaster transition plans as spectrum incentive auction nears end
As bidding in the US spectrum incentive auction winds down, the focus shifts to the nitty-gritty of moving broadcasters out of their spectrum [read more – subscription required].

INTERNET

Telecoms.com: Hold the ‘fone! Voda hits gigabit LTE in Portugal
Telstra might have gone and crammed some mega-sized gigabits through its LTE pipes on the underside of the world, but Voda’s Portuguese operations just smashed through that fabled gigabit barrier to bombard its customers with gargantuan mobile speeds [read more].

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS

Total Telecom: New Zealand blocks Vodafone/Sky merger
New Zealand's Commerce Commission has blocked the proposed NZ$3.44 billion (€2.33 billion) merger of Vodafone and Sky Network Television [read more].

Total Telecom: Bharti Airtel to buy Telenor India
Bharti Airtel has agreed to acquire 100% of Telenor's Indian operation, a deal which enables the former to strengthen its competitive position in seven key telecom circles, and the latter to retreat from a market in the grip of an intense price war [read more].

INNOVATION

Total Telecom: EE's 4G network takes flight
EE showed off airborne 4G base stations designed to provide mobile coverage in rural areas and during emergencies [read more].

Total Telecom: BT, Huawei to research 5G network slicing
BT and Huawei this week announced they will undertake joint research into 5G network slicing [read more].

Post & Parcel: MEPs vote for EU-wide robotics rules
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) voted on 16th February for a resolution calling for EU-wide rules on robotics [read more].

Total Telecom: Telstra's 1-Gbps LTE network goes live
Telstra and its hardware partners, Ericsson, Qualcomm and Netgear, have announced that Telstra's 1-Gbps LTE network – the first of its kind in the world – is up and running in select locations [read more].

POST

Post & Parcel: Royal Mail quarterly targets
Royal Mail has reported that it missed its target for 1st Class post and Special Delivery in the third quarter (Q3) of FY2016-17. However, it did meet regulatory targets for the first three quarters combined, and it is still on target to satisfy the First Class mail target for the whole 2016-17 year [read more].

Post & Parcel: eBay UK announces move to six-day working delivery week
eBay has informed its UK sellers that, effective from 22nd February) it is moving to a six-day working delivery week for Royal Mail and Hermes services [read more].

Post & Parcel: John Lewis taking part in car boot delivery trial
Retailer John Lewis is working with Jaguar Land Rover’s innovation arm InMotion to trial a system for delivering goods to customers’ car boots [read more].

Post & Parcel: Pony Express Couriers makes Ireland’s first authorised drone delivery
Pony Express Couriers has announced that it has made Ireland’s first Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) approved parcel delivery by drone [read more

Royal Mail Royal Mail introduces labels to go, a self-service mobile returns solutions
From April 2017, customers will be able to print off delivery and return labels at all of Royal Mail’s 1,200 Customer Service Points [read more].

Post & Parcel: Customer choice
Swiss Post has announced that it is introducing new services so its customers “can now manage their parcels individually and decide for themselves when, where and how they want to receive them” [read more].

Post & Parcel: PostNord reports “sharply declining mail volumes” for 2016
PostNord has reported that “sharply declining mail volumes” and the “rapid pace of digitization” impacted its performance in 2016 – but it believes it has a “sustainable model” which will bring results [read more].

ECOMMERCE

Post & Parcel: DHL: “Cross border e-commerce one of the fastest growth opportunities in retail”
A new report from DHL Express has identified cross-border e-commerce as “one of the fastest growth opportunities in retail” [read more].

TELEVISION

Advanced Television: Analyst: Sky/Discovery dispute sign of market trends
According to John Bird, Principal Consultant at Futuresource Consulting, the impact of on-demand on linear viewing and the rising cost of sports rights are two of the main reasons behind the well-publicised and highly acrimonious pricing row between Sky and Discovery Communications which was settled shortly before the broadcaster’s 12 thematic genre channels were set to disappear from Sky’s pay-TV and NOW TV OTT platforms [read more].

Telecoms.com: French regulator throws wobbly over telcos’ spend on content
French regulator Arcep has voiced its concerns over the increasing amount telcos are spending on content, arguing it will have a negative impact on the network [read more].

Advanced Television: Vodafone halts plans for UK pay-TV service
Vodafone has put its plans to launch a UK pay-TV market on ice. Vittorio Colao, its chief executive, told The Telegraph that the service was ready and could be launched “within weeks” if “suddenly TV becomes essential” but that Vodafone now has other higher priorities – namely building its share of the broadband market an improving trading on its home turf [read more].

Advanced Television: Facebook developing TV app
Facebook is working on a TV-style video app and is already seeking publishers to create exclusive content for it [read more].

INFORMATION SOCIETY

European Commission: Safer Internet Day 2017: European Commission welcomes alliance of industry and NGOs for a better internet for minors
On 7 February, millions of people in 120 countries were marking Safer Internet Day. The European Commission and leading digital players have committed to work towards curbing harmful content, conduct and contact in an Alliance to Better Protect Minors Online [read more].

BUSINESS

Telecoms.com: Ofcom slaps down BT’s latest attempt to dodge the Openreach bullet
UK telecoms regulator wasted no time reminding BT who wears the trousers after the giant telco unveiled a couple of supposedly independent Openreach board members [read more].

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Disclaimer

The information contained in this newsletter is for general information purposes only and while we endeavour to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy, reliability, suitability or availability with respect to the information contained therein. Any reliance you place on such information is therefore strictly at your own risk.