In the upcoming year, governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are set to redefine the rules governing the telecoms ecosystem. These changes will exert profound influence over the competitive landscape, consumer rights, and the conduct of business in our increasingly digital age. Let’s look at issues that are likely top the agenda in 2024.
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Global Networks Post-Globalisation
The Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act of the European Union marks the initial steps towards heightened competition and accountability in digital platforms. This is expected to extend beyond Europe, challenging the once-predicted service uniformity of the Internet, particularly with regulatory divergence from countries like China reshaping global laws.
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Significance of Privacy
As concerns about data privacy escalate alongside the surge of data-driven services, regulations governing the collection, storage, and utilization of personal information will be under examination. Striking a balance between fostering innovation and safeguarding consumer data rights will be a central and contentious point of discussion.
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Importance of Identity
While the potential for anonymity on the Internet was initially seen as a positive, regulatory frameworks now grapple with challenges like identity fraud, protection of minors, and counterfeiting. This debate is poised to gain considerable importance as issues related to identity on the Internet come to the forefront.
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5G Deployment and Security
Economic concerns have been causing a slowdown in 5G investment levels, but nations are determined to harness the potential of this technology. Regulatory bodies will weigh in on issues such as security standards, spectrum allocation, and privacy concerns.
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Net Neutrality
After a period of relative quiet, net neutrality principles are set to become a point of contention once again, particularly with a resurgence of regulatory focus in the USA. This will reignite international debates, with regulators exploring measures to ensure an open and level playing field for all digital services and content providers.
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AI and Emerging Technologies
Regulatory attention will increase on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and blockchain. Security and standards will be prominent, but consideration will also be given to fostering well-managed growth of these ecosystems.
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Digital Inclusion
Regulatory measures ensuring universal access to affordable and reliable telecommunications services will be hugely important. Many initiatives will be aimed at expanding connectivity to underserved and rural areas.
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Cybersecurity
Cybersecurity standards and response protocols will take centre stage as cyber threats evolve and increase.
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The Economic Dynamics of Consolidation
The reduced profitability in the telecom sector is expected to drive a higher level of mergers and consolidation, and this will require regulatory bodies to scrutinise competition dynamics within the industry. Fostering competition and preventing monopolistic behaviour will be a huge challenge.
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Environmental Sustainability
Sustainability and environmental concerns will play an increasingly influential role in regulations. Telecommunications providers will face pressures to adopt eco-friendly practices in network deployment and operation. However, there is a gap in regulatory mandates, and this will necessitate the creation of a framework to implement or integrate environmental sustainability.
As we venture into 2024, significant discussions within the telecom and Internet law framework await. This marks an exciting time for those in the field, and together, stakeholders will navigate the complexities of the regulatory agenda, shaping a future where the mobile ecosystem continues to drive connectivity and innovation.
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Dario Betti is CEO of the Mobile Ecosystem Forum (MEF).