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The Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) has ushered in stricter guidelines on mid-contract price changes in telecommunications, increasing the burden of clarity for operators. Historically, telecom contracts often obscured potential price fluctuations, misleading customers with allusions of fixed prices. These deceptive tactics, often rooted in fine print legalese, have necessitated ASA’s initiative for more transparent advertising. With Broadband and mobile contracts especially susceptible to annual adjustments, providers must alert customers clearly about prospective changes.

Telco Buzz

Navigating Regulatory Challenges: Shell Energy’s £1.4M Penalty Lesson

By Kamile Bigenyte November 24, 2023

Shell Energy faces a £1.4m fine imposed by telecom regulator Ofcom for a serious breach in communication service rules. Over 70,000 customers weren’t correctly notified about end-of-contract and best tariff options, a grave misstep underscoring the importance of clear, timely communication in service provision. Substantiating the matter, some customers were even misinformed about costs post-contract, leading to unwarranted overpayments.

Telco Buzz

Fair Share Debate: BIPT Questions Big Tech’s Telecom Contributions

By Kamile Bigenyte November 17, 2023

In the ongoing debate over Big Tech’s ‘fair share’ contribution to telecom infrastructures, new findings from the Belgian Institute for Postal Services and Telecommunications call into question the validity of the argument. BIPT concludes attributing Big Tech solely for data streams might be over simplistic, citing investments made by Content Application Providers in broader infrastructures. The study raises important concerns about the potential negative impact for end-users, small local CAPs, and the principle of net neutrality.

Market Watch

Assessing Gartner’s Forecast: The Impact of GenAI on Cloud Spending

By Kamile Bigenyte November 16, 2023

Gartner forecasts a huge 20.4% increase in public cloud services expenditure by 2024, hitting an astounding $679 billion. This surge in spending could be primarily driven by business needs and innovative technologies like generative AI. Interestingly, all cloud market segments Gartner monitors are set to grow, with Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS) leading the pack at 26.6%. That said, as the cloud market evolves in response to business outcomes, non-technical issues such as cost, privacy, and sustainability are crucial considerations for an effective GenAI deployment.

Telco Buzz

Inflation-Based Price Hikes: The Unfair Practice Challenging Telecom Consumers

By Aiste Kryzanovske November 6, 2023

A recent survey found that 85% of broadband and mobile consumers find annual price hikes unjust, adding the frustration that 87% believe they should be able to switch providers without penalty if such increases occur mid-contract. However, the reality presented by providers paints a different picture. These unexpected cost changes and fear of penalties for ending contracts prematurely have driven 62% of surveyed participants to consider switching providers immediately after unexpected price increases. This trend prompted a response from Ofcom for clearer pricing transparency, a call further championed by Uswitch and Which?. This has led to new guidelines by the UK’s Committees of Advertising Practice, aiming to ensure providers fully disclose potential cost changes to customers.

Telco Buzz

Navigating UK’s New Net Neutrality Landscape: Opportunities and Challenges

By Kamile Bigenyte October 31, 2023

UK’s communication authority, Ofcom, makes strategic updates to its net neutrality rules ensuring egalitarian treatment of internet traffic. Embracing increased clarity and efficient network design, these changes invite innovation. Yet, it also initiates debates on fair pricing, innovation, and ISP autonomy versus user control.

Security

Navigating The Fine Balance: UK’s Online Safety Act Analysis

By Aiste Kryzanovske October 30, 2023

The UK’s newly-sealed Online Safety Act transforms Ofcom into a powerful Internet watchdog. However, its journey has sparked both acclaim and apprehensions concerning children’s online protection and potential privacy infringements, respectively. Crucially, the legislation’s implementation might take a couple of years.

5G

5G in the UK: An Unfinished Race towards Economic Growth

By Aiste Kryzanovske September 26, 2023

While the UK initially took the lead in 5G deployment, recent metrics suggest a shift, with the UK now trailing behind other countries in 5G download speed and coverage. Despite these setbacks, the UK’s 5G journey is far from finished. This communication revolution isn’t just about winners or losers, but about creating a conducive environment for businesses to thrive, thus promoting economic growth and job creation.

Telco Buzz

Balancing Online Safety & Privacy: UK’s Groundbreaking Legislation

By Aiste Kryzanovske September 21, 2023

The UK’s groundbreaking Online Safety Bill, focused on child protection and adult control, has recently been approved by Parliament. Despite optimism for its ‘game-changing’ potential, critics argue of potential privacy encroachments and inherent ambiguities.

Broadband

Cable or Full Fibre: Unravelling UK’s Broadband Speed Growth

By Aiste Kryzanovske September 18, 2023

A surprising surge in UK home broadband speeds reveals unexpected players in the game, with cable services outpacing full fibre. Yet, amid the rise of lightning-fast download speeds, the upload band still sees full fibre reigning supreme. Noticeably, cable packages prove their worth even under the gruelling test of peak hours. Nevertheless, experts advise not to overlook service quality when choosing broadband. A glimpse into the changing landscape of broadband services shows an intriguing volatility that leaves room for industry alterations and subscriber adaptation.