2017 Telecommunications Sector Report
The increasing digitalisation of the economy calls for the rapid roll-out of gigabit-capable broadband infrastructure. The main obstacle to greater investment in modern broadband networks is the high cost of roll-out, combined with demand for very high-speed broadband connections that remains relatively low. Furthermore, regulation in the telecommunications sector affects the profitability of investments and contributes to companies’ reluctance to invest. In its special report entitled ‘Telecommunications 2017: Building on Competition!’, the Monopolies Commission sets out proposals on how to achieve the rapid and comprehensive roll-out of high-performance fixed and mobile networks.
The majority of the investment required in gigabit infrastructure is being made by private-sector telecoms companies in a competitive environment, without public funding. It is therefore important to create the right conditions for this.
