Regulatory Environment
The mobile sector is among the most intensely regulated industries. Although certain rules and obligations are needed to protect consumers’ interests, other regulatory interventions fail to keep up with the fast pace of innovation. This is why flexible, light-touch regulatory approaches are preferable for continued mobile network investment and innovation in digital connectivity.
The GSMA follows regulatory developments closely and works with regulators and the industry to promote the most forward-looking regulatory approaches while providing evidence-based arguments against restrictive, potentially damaging proposals.
Explore the issues
EMF and health
Monitor and analyse science-based research from WHO, health agencies, expert groups and academia and advocate for the adoption international limits.
Connectivity regulation
Research developments in connectivity regulation, engage with governments and regulators on key policy issues and advocate for conducive regulatory frameworks.
Ecosystem regulation
Monitor developments in the platform economy and develop the mobile industry perspective on core platform-related topics.
Top Resources
International EMF Exposure Guidelines
Universal Service Funds in Africa
New regulatory framework for the digital ecosystem
Noteworthy
Philippines declines Now Telecom’s license extension
[Manila Standard, 3 April 2025]
Vietnam approves SpaceX internet services
[Saigon News, 27 March 2025]
Italy plans tender for satellite communications [Reuters, 26 March 2025]
Brazil proposes 5G expansion program
[Camara dos Deputados, 25 March 2025]
Featured policy position
Net Neutrality
“Mobile operators need to be able to actively manage network traffic to meet the different needs of consumers. Regulation that affects how operators handle mobile traffic is not required. Any regulation that limits their flexibility to manage quality of service from end to end and provide consumers with a satisfactory experience is inherently counterproductive.“
Read the full policy position here.