2022.09.02 – Open Broadband News

Portugal has the fifth most expensive broadband prices in the EU

Portugal is currently fifth for the most expensive broadband price, only behind Belgium, Croatia, Greece and Denmark, according to the European Commission report. The national market is grouped as “expensive” or “relatively expensive” in the 13 fixed broadband usage profiles.

Anacom says that the fixed isolated broadband prices, corresponding to the Single Play package, are between 40 and 49% above the European average, in accordance with your considered download speed.

“The deviations were higher for higher speeds. Portugal is between 23rd and 25th in the European Union ranking, according to the Brussels analysis for 2021”. The equivalent, but mobile, prices were 26 to 58% above average, except for the 0.5 GB usage profile, which was 7% below average. Thus, Portugal is listed in the 16th and 26th position, respectively, in the European ranking.

UK telecom companies face tough new cybersecurity rules

UK telecom companies face fines of up to 10% of their turnover if they don’t follow industry best practice when it comes to protecting networks from cyberattacks under tough new government rules set to be introduced in October.

Part of the Telecommunications (Security) Act, the new regulations give the UK Government power to set security standards for mobile and broadband networks. This covers both hardware and software at mast sites and in telephone exchanges that handle internet traffic, as well as phone calls.

A UK Government spokesperson said the legislation “will improve the UK’s cyber resilience by embedding good security practices in providers’ long term investment decisions and the day-to-day running of their networks and services.”

More than a dozen Senators press Commerce chief to rethink Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) rules

More than a dozen U.S. Senators signed on to a letter asking Department of Commerce head Gina Raimondo to revise the agency’s rules for a $42.5 billion broadband funding program, arguing guidelines released earlier this year deviated from Congress’ intent.

At issue are rules the Department released for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program in May. The missive, signed by 13 Republican Senators, warned “Certain provisions go beyond the authority granted to NTIA and will discourage or deter broad provider participation.” The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is a division of the Commerce Department and has been tasked with distributing BEAD funds.

The Senators pressed for changes to provisions around rate regulation, technology preference, provider preference, workforce requirements, middle mile deployments and the application review process.

Germany Fights Digital Backwardness

Although Germany is known for efficiency, it lags in broadband connectivity and other digital measurements according to CEPA.

Germany ranks only 13th in the European Commission’s Digital Economy and Society Index (DESI), the European indicator that ranks the digital performance of the EU member states. Only 50% of Germans possess basic digital skills – compared to 80% of Finns. Fewer than 40% of German households have a fixed broadband connection – compared to 70% of Spaniards.

“Germany needs a comprehensive digital awakening,” acknowledges the leaked digital plan that was presented by the German Government on August 31.

The new strategy aims to bump Germany up into the DESI’s top ten. Three strategic axes are identified: the provision of data and gigabit networks, the introduction of secure e-identities, and uniform standards for interoperability. The new draft stipulates each ministry’s main digital policy projects.