Regulation cometh before the fall

摘要

Mobile operators face a full-on assault from Europe's regulators and lawmakers this year, and the results could have a dramatic impact on top line revenues across the board. Operators can look forward to a fresh enquiry into international roaming rates, led by the European Regulators Group and the European Commission. Then there is the release of spectrum in the 450 MHz range in Finland and Scandinavian countries, which could mean more competition in voice and data services. Not all the news for operators is bad, however. In the UK, Ofcom is leading the way on the release of more spectrum and spectrum trading. Analysts argue these give mobile operators scope to introduce new services and the chance to trade some expensive 3G licence acquisitions. Last month, Ofcom announced proposals to make more spectrum available in 12 different bands before 2008, many of which will be suitable for wireless broadband use. UK operators have met Ofcom's proposals with cautious approval.