Policy & regulation
We work with regulators, governments, and industry players to develop and implement regulatory policies.
Regulation is a key part of the environment in which fixed and mobile broadband suppliers operate. It is also the main means by which governments seek to promote competition, investment, and universal availability of services.
We work with regulators and governments to develop and implement regulatory policies. We also help industry players to shape policy development.
Our consultants help regulators to undertake, and industry players to respond to, consultations of all kinds, from costing methodologies and wholesale price controls, right through to forward-looking market competition reviews.
Our policy & regulation services
Policy development
We support regulators and government bodies develop a stance on policy issues by analysing the possible outcomes of different approaches, and crafting market-specific arguments for our policy recommendations.
Cost models
We develop and audit cost models for regulators and regulated firms, working across the full range of model types (top-down, bottom-up etc.) and methodological issues (cost of capital, efficiency etc.).
International benchmarking
We help operators and regulators to understand why countries have adopted different regulatory approaches, and advise them on the formulation of policies appropriate to their own situations.
Market competition reviews
We help regulators to undertake, and operators to respond to, investigations into market competitiveness, market definition, and situations of preponderance or market power, based on quantitative insights.
Margin squeeze and economic replicability
We develop margin squeeze and economic replicability tests on behalf of regulators and operators, supporting them to set wholesale prices and promote competition.
Our project experience
Zero-rating practices in broadband markets
We prepared a report for the European Commission on zero-rating within the framework of net neutrality and competition and the relationship with internet content and service providers.
Assessment of policies for vertical access to spectrum
Aetha reviewed spectrum policy approaches worldwide to provide spectrum management recommendations to enable the growth of vertical industries whilst protecting the interests of the mobile industry.
Full review of spectrum pricing
Aetha completed international benchmarking of spectrum pricing approaches and price levels for all radiocommunications services and proposed a new spectrum price schedule for Malaysia.
Reserve prices for 5G spectrum auction
Aetha analysed the mobile market in Slovenia based on data provided by the client. Thereafter, we valued spectrum in two ways – international benchmarking and bottom-up spectrum valuation.
Relevant articles and reports
AI and Telecom Monetisation: Who Will Capture the Value?
23 February 2026
Monetisation of AI in the telecoms sector: Who will capture the value?
Artificial intelligence has rapidly become a strategic priority across the telecom sector. Operators are embedding AI […]
Digital Networks Act: The case for indefinite spectrum licences
23 January 2026
Digital Networks Act: The case for indefinite spectrum licences
This week the European Commission published its proposal for the Digital Networks Act (DNA), introducing significant changes for mobile […]
Review of mobile market and implications for upcoming spectrum award
12 December 2025
Licences for several key spectrum bands in the Netherlands are due to expire in 2030. This report reviews the current state of the Dutch mobile market and […]
The UK’s mmWave auction: A success
20 October 2025
The long-awaited mmWave auction in the UK has concluded! While it may not have made major headlines, this award quietly achieved what spectrum auctions are meant to do: […]
