Policy & regulation2024-03-15T14:06:59+00:00

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
Analysis on zero rating's impact on competition
Feasibility study on FNP in Malaysia
Review of market competitiveness
Design guidelines for replicability tests
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Regulated wholesale services cost modelling

Regulated wholesale services cost modelling


We developed top-down and bottom-up cost models of fixed and mobile networks on behalf of 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, based on the use of modern equivalent assets. 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

Review of annual spectrum fees

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.

Zero-rating is the practice of not charging for data traffic associated with particular applications (e.g. WhatsApp). 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

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

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

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.

An important area of research was in fixed-mobile bundling, where numerous types of discounts and promotions needed to be quantified on a like-for-like basis.

We conducted a workshop with the regulator to present our recommendations.

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Relevant articles & reports

Our experts

Amit Nagpal
Amit Nagpal
Partner
Graham Johnson
Graham Johnson
Associate Partner
Graham Louth
Graham Louth
Associate Partner
Cameron Currin
Cameron Currin
Manager
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