South Africa’s ICASA aims to harmonise local requirements for network deployment
05 August 26
Andre Moura Gomes
Industry reaction criticised the lack of price caps on wayleave permits for city authorities with “rent-seeking” behaviour.
Ghana ends exclusive wholesale 5G provider model and launches competitive spectrum award
31 July 26
Javier Morales Fhon
The National Communications Authority (NCA) said opening the 5G market would promote investment, innovation, service quality and network resilience. The regulator expects to award spectrum licences in the 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz and 3 GHz bands by 28 September 2026, with successful applicants required to reach 70% population coverage by March 2027. This Global Trends Flash also highlights recent developments in wholesale mobile network models in Rwanda, Malaysia, Mexico and Belarus, reflecting the divergent approaches other countries have taken.
Regulators from different continents debate “innovation and competition” in the digital world
02 July 26
Elena Scaramuzzi
On the occasion of Cullen International’s 40th anniversary conference in Brussels on 23 June 2026, representatives from authorities of Belgium, Brazil, Colombia, the EU, and Japan discussed how competition policy in communications and digital markets can support innovation and consumer welfare. The panel addressed the theme from different angles, from merger control to the interplay between ex ante and ex post frameworks to address competition concerns in digital sectors.
What are the policy options for ensuring trusted media coverage in the platform age?
01 July 26
Olha Hruba
As part of Cullen International's 40th anniversary conference in Brussels on 23 June 2026, a panel brought together representatives from regulators, broadcasters, online platforms and the European Commission. They discussed whether the EU's regulatory framework is adequate to secure citizens' access to trusted media content in an increasingly platform-driven environment. They also examined whether the framework can support the sustainability of the media sector.
DNA: European Parliament rapporteur opposes mandatory copper switch-off
01 July 26
Martin Schraa
Michał Kobosko (Renew, Poland), speaking at the 40th anniversary conference of Cullen International, also considers the possibility to remove the voluntary conciliation mechanism from the proposed Digital Networks Act.
Stakeholders highlight key challenges ahead in EU AI Act implementation
01 July 26
Alessandra Vaes
On the occasion of its 40th anniversary conference in Brussels on 23 June 2026, Cullen International hosted a panel discussion on the EU AI Act, addressing topics such as the role of standards and secondary legislation to help implement this regulation.
