With Brexit quickly approaching there is growing concern over how the UK’s most prominent industries will be impacted by the UK existing the European Union.
With 180,000 telecoms professionals working in the UK, it is an industry that will be greatly affected by Brexit. However, during the ongoing discussions and proceedings telecoms hasn’t been recognised as one of the high priority sectors for negotiation.
So, what does Brexit mean for the telecoms industry?
Brexit and telecoms: What will happen when we leave the EU?
Leaving the EU will require the UK to have new trade agreements and legislation for businesses. These new regulations are predicted to have an impact on how telecoms companies can carry out business in both the long and short term.
Currently, all telecoms companies must adhere to an EU regulatory framework. In the UK, Ofcom’s guidelines are governed by EU rules and any decisions made are subject to EU approval.
The negotiation that the UK government is undertaking with EU leaders will determine whether this will remain the same or if alternations should occur.
Another major factor that the industry is discussing at length are EU Roaming charges. In 2015 charges for roaming in the EU were banned, however this may change during the process of leaving the EU.
Other key areas of telecoms are likely to be impacted too. For instance, most handsets and telecoms equipment are imported from China, Asia and the USA. These import deals are carried out under EU legislation, however with the impending changes the UK may be able to create new, more profitable, deals with these Governments under the UK’s new laws.
A no-deal Brexit: The implications on the telecoms industry
The threat of a no-deal Brexit is alarming for all business sectors as there is uncertainty over the laws and regulations they will be governed by. Particularly for EU nationals that are currently working within the UK, they will be unsure as to what the status of their residency will be after Brexit occurs.
Failing to have an agreement in place on key areas of telecoms, such as the free flow of data will be detrimental. The agreement of how data should be processed could also take years to agree, therefore whilst this is being decided, telecoms companies may need to make large investments and create complex solutions in terms of data storage and movement.
In conclusion
Until the UK government has a finalised deal with the EU, or we are forced to exit the EU with a no-deal, we do not know the true implications of Brexit on the telecoms industry.
As a thriving industry that provides essential services to both business and individual customers, it is essential that clear regulations are needed to stipulate how telecoms companies should operate once the UK has left the EU.
Get in touch with our telecoms team
If you have questions surrounding Brexit and telecoms or are even looking for new modern telecoms solutions to integrate into your business – speak to our experienced telecoms team.
For further help and information, get in touch with the team on: 01282 500770 or email: info@seriun.co.uk.