In an earlier Insight from February 2023, we considered challenges which need to be addressed to make autonomous vessels a reality, and the current solutions which exist to overcome these challenges. The vision is a vessel that can undertake any sea journey (coastal or international) where the operating system of the vessel is able to[…]
The Digital Connectivity Forum (DCF) commissioned Plum to examine how other countries worldwide have dealt with the issues surrounding the switching off of 2G networks. As the vast majority of voice and data traffic migrates to LTE and even 5G networks, demand for capacity on 2G and 3G technology is rapidly falling. In the UK,[…]
Plum has carried out a study for Arcep, the French telecommunications regulator, looking at the impacts of the regulatory structure deployed for fibre networks in France. Our report describes the regulatory framework, which Arcep terms as “symmetric” as it requires any operator deploying an optical fibre local loop to grant all reasonable requests for access[…]
With ever-expanding demand for spectrum, and a (physics-constrained) finite amount available, there is increasing pressure for users to share spectrum holdings via a variety of different methods – geographic, temporal, or dynamic. In most cases this is achieved through the identification of primary and secondary uses and users. With this sharing paradigm, however, there is[…]
These last few years, the European Commission has made various proposals to institute network fees in one form or another, but these were rejected by both digital market stakeholders and the European Council. In its latest consultation on the Digital Networks Act, the Commission puts forward a proposal to mandate dispute resolutions to IP Interconnection[…]
Open source practices in Gen AI are reshaping economies, and influencing competition, societal and political dynamics. Plum Consulting’s paper examines the dual nature of these practices, highlighting opportunities alongside challenges for policymakers and companies on that matter.
Increasing difficulties with time-critical non-terrestrial communications, submarine connectivity damage, just-in-time manufacturing dependencies and delivery logistics have all been issues of concern over the last year. International political and geographic events have required companies and individuals the world over to adjust processes and expectations on the speed and quality of manufacturing and information flows. A Plum[…]
Since its launch in 2021, Starlink has quickly gained global traction, expanding rapidly and attracting a growing user base across 105 countries. Many countries have welcomed Starlink as a promising solution to bridge the digital divide, bringing high-speed internet to remote and underserved areas. Yet not all governments have embraced it; some have indeed resisted[…]
The UK Competitive Telecoms Association (UKCTA) asked Plum to examine regulation in competitive electronic communications markets in the UK. In our report for UKCTA, we discuss the efficacy of some regulatory requirements, and suggest a review to ensure that regulation in competitive markets remains effective, proportionate, and consistent with the Government’s objective for economic growth.[…]
In the white paper “How to Master Europe’s Infrastructure Needs”, published in February 2024, the European Commission presented its views on the future of connectivity and potential implications for European telecommunication policy. The Ministry of Economic Affairs in the Netherlands commissioned Plum and our partners for this project, Stratix, to analyse and explain the underlying[…]