The European Commission has just unveiled its proposal for the Digital Networks Act (DNA). The DNA marks a fundamental shift from regulating traditional “electronic communications” to a broader, cloud-integrated ecosystem of “digital networks”.
In a nutshell: The DNA replaces the fragmented framework of the 2018 Electronic Communications Code (EECC)
Continue Reading From Telecoms to “Digital Networks”: Navigating the EU’s New Digital Networks Act (DNA)
Earlier this week the European Policy Centre (with its partner the Vodafone Institute) published a new discussion paper looking at the strategic issues around European submarine cables and making some recommendations. Since it’s an area of work close to my heart I have reviewed and set out below – in
Continue Reading The Proposed European Strategy for Submarine Infrastructure
A recent decision from a Finnish district court has cast light on the legal and operational challenges surrounding damage to submarine infrastructure, particularly in contested or sensitive maritime zones. The case concerned the Eagle S, a Cook Islands-flagged oil tanker, whose crew faced criminal charges following an incident in
Continue Reading The difficulty of bringing criminal cases for submarine cable damage – the Eagle S case
On 25 June 2025, the European Commission has proposed the draft of the EU Space Act.
This proposed new law is intended to provide a harmonised regulatory framework at European level from 2030 to ensure safety, resilience, and environmental responsibility across the EU, while helping space tech companies grow and scale across borders.
Continue Reading EU Space Act
Reproduced from an article by Mike Conradi and Christian Keogh in SubTel Forum Issue #141 – Finance & Legal (March 2025)
Due diligence is a crucial element of any M&A deal. The term refers to one of the activities undertaken by a purchaser prior to closing a deal, in order
Continue Reading Legal due diligence on submarine cables
In two recent decisions, the German Higher Regional Courts (Oberlandesgerichte – OLG) of Cologne and Munich have clarified the – strict – German requirements for cancellation buttons on websites of tech companies providing digital services to consumers, such as telecommunications services or pay-TV/streaming services.
Continue Reading German Higher Courts Clarify Strict Requirements for Online Contract Cancellations
On 6 March 2025, Italy’s Chamber of Deputies approved a draft law on Space Economics, submitted by the Prime Minister and the Ministro delle Imprese e del Made in Italy, which has now been sent to the Senate for final approval.
The approval of the Space Economics draft law
Continue Reading Italy’s Chamber of Deputies approves draft law on Space Economics: Legal insight
With the upcoming Digital Networks Act, the European Union will transform the regulatory landscape for electronic communications networks (ECN) and electronic communications services (ECS). This ambitious legislation aims to address several challenges in the current regulatory framework, including the lack of a fully integrated single market for telecommunications and the inconsistent management of radio spectrum licensing across EU member states.
Continue Reading The Digital Networks Act: A new era for EU telecoms regulation
New satellite services are in development which will permit satellites to communicate directly with unmodified end user phones. These services fall into a category of satellite services known as direct to device services, or “D2D” services. In addition to these services, a number of other innovative “mobile satellite services” in
Continue Reading Direct to device satellite services and MSS services: Upcoming regulatory changes
On 7 March 2024, the UK Government released a new Space Industrial Plan, building on its 2021 National Space Strategy.
This article provides context to the Government’s announcement, including the National Space Strategy which we have previously written about here, and what lies ahead under the new Space Industrial
Continue Reading UK Government releases new Space Industrial Plan
