Connected – May 2024
Written By
Associate
UK
I am an associate in our Commercial Group, and I advise clients in the technology and communications sector.
Legal Director
UK
I am a Legal Director in Bird & Bird's Commercial Department and enjoy supporting clients on the global challenges facing the digital and communications sector as well as other regulated industries building on my significant telecommunications and competition law experience.
This issue has been edited by Rory Coutts & Anthony Rosen with contributions from the Regulatory & Public Affairs team.
In this edition we review BEREC’s position on the implications of AI in the telecommunications sector, new obligations to combat scam calls, messages and emails in Poland, the development of cybersecurity certifications schemes in the EU under the Cyber Resilience Act framework, recent policy updates in the Australian Space and Satellites sector, Spanish National Security Schemes for 5G networks and regulatory updates in relation to enforcement of the EU Data Act in Ireland. Further, as preparations begin for the European parliamentary elections this summer we take a closer look at the European Parliament party manifestos. We also note that the Gigabit Infrastructure Act (“GIA”) has now been adopted by the Council of the EU, which aims to simplify and accelerate the roll-out of high-speed networks, such as fibre and 5G (see our previous summary here).
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BEREC high-level position on the interplay between telecoms & connectivity and Artificial Intelligence and Virtual Worlds
The Body of European Regulators for Electronic Communications (BEREC) has released a comprehensive report examining the implications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the telecommunications sector, recognising that connectivity is crucial to support AI and Virtual Worlds (VWs). These technologies hinge on the successful deployment of high-quality Electronic Communications Networks and Services (ECN/ECS), with technologies such as cloud and edge computing playing a pivotal role.
For more information, please contact Anthony Rosen.
European Political Parties set out their digital priorities for 2024-2029
The 2024 European elections are fast-approaching and the European Parliament is bracing for a new mandate. From 6 to 9 June, European citizens will head to the polls to elect 720 Members of the European Parliament (MEPs). MEPs work with EU national governments to create and determine new laws that impact a range of areas, including the economy, poverty, climate change and security. The Parliament elects the President of the European Commission, officially endorses (or rejects) its incoming Commissioners, and has responsibilities for holding them accountable.
For more information, please contact Paula Alexe.
Australian Space and Satellite Update: LEOSat Working Group setting the agenda for policy and investment
A working group comprised of both public and private interests is potentially charting the path for the Australian space and satellite sector and ensuring that industry participants should retain a sense of optimism particularly in relation to the use of LEO satellites to provide direct to device connectivity, which could be a game changer for end users in remote and rural Australia. In October 2022, the Minister for Communications established the Low Earth Orbit Satellite (‘LEOSat’) Working Group to examine the role that satellite technology could provide in delivering telecommunications services.
