Connected - January 2026
Contacts
Legal Director
UK
I am a legal director at Bird & Bird with a core focus on Technology & Communications. I enjoy supporting clients on the global challenges facing the digital and communications sector as well as other regulated industries building on my significant telecommunications regulatory and competition law experience.
This issue has been edited by Anthony Rosen with contributions from the Regulatory & Public Affairs team and Bird & Bird colleagues across our Bird & Bird One Firm network.
In our first edition of 2026, we are delighted to build on the Bird & Bird Tech Predictions report and spotlight some key telecoms and cyber priorities to look out for this year as well as developments in the Space & Satellite sector. Similar to 2025, we can expect significant regulatory developments from Brussels with key pieces of legislation in the pipeline which will impact telecoms and digital services. Cybersecurity will also remain a key focus area with many countries now finally implementing the EU NIS2 regime. A close eye will also need to be kept on the EU’s simplification proposals with the passage of the Digital Omnibus package. This presents challenges and opportunities for industry and our experts stand ready to help guide you through the dynamic & evolving regulatory landscape.
Wishing our readers a Happy New Year!
Contents
- EU: Regulatory outlook for 2026
I. Netherlands: 2026 outlook
II. Germany: Security will remain a key focus in 2026 as well as clarification on 5G spectrum
III. Czech Republic: What to expect in 2026 in Czech cybersecurity and telecommunications law
IV. Hungary: Priorities for 2026
V. Spain: Security, resilience and scam measures – Spain’s telecom regulatory priorities for 2026
VI. France: Key priorities for 2026 and numbering reforms
VII. Finland: A stronger focus on data security and confidentiality of communications
VIII. Sweden: Reshaping of the telecoms landscape in 2026
- Hong Kong: Updates and projections for Hong Kong’s telecom and cybersecurity regime going into 2026
- Saudi Arabia and the UAE: Telecommunications regulatory developments – 2026 outlook
- Space and satellite – a reflection on 2025 and the outlook for 2026
- UK digital regulation: Telecoms, Online Safety, Spectrum and Space – outlook for 2026
- UK Government Cyber Action Plan
- EU: European Accessibility Act – Enforcement alert
- Consultations
- Events
Follow the links above to reach the content that you find most interesting or keep scrolling for the full edition.
Please get in touch if you have any questions or would like further information on these topics.
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Updates from our international network
EU: Regulatory outlook for 2026
2026 will be a busy year in Brussels with a packed regulatory agenda. The key anticipated developments include the Digital Omnibus Package, the Digital Networks Act overhauling telecoms regulation, a revised Cybersecurity Act with more lenient certification schemes, and the Digital Fairness Act enhancing consumer safeguards.
For more information, please contact Feyo Sickinghe and Francine Cunningham.
Netherlands: 2026 outlook
2026 marks a significant period for the Dutch digital and telecommunications sectors, as several key regulatory frameworks move from planning stages to active implementation. In this article, we examine the Cyberbeveiligingswet implementing NIS2 entering into force in Q2, the EU e-Evidence package becoming operational in March, and the abolition of the "soft opt-in" for telemarketing on 1 July.
For more information, please contact Marjolein Geus and Raoul Grifoni Waterman.
Germany: Security will remain a key focus in 2026 as well as clarification on 5G spectrum
Germany’s telecoms regulatory framework will continue to evolve in 2026, with several ongoing initiatives moving into their next phases. Adjustments to security requirements, NIS2 implementation steps, the critical infrastructure framework, and the redesign of spectrum allocation processes will each contribute to a gradually shifting compliance environment. While none of these developments represent abrupt change, they will require operators and service providers to stay attentive and adapt to incremental updates throughout the year.
For more information, please contact Johannes Doveling and Valerian Jenny.
Czech Republic: What to expect in 2026 in Czech cybersecurity and telecommunications law
The Czech Republic's cybersecurity and communications regulatory environment is undergoing gradual transformation following the adoption of new cybersecurity legislation in 2025. As the regulatory framework continues to take shape, companies operating in the Czech market should closely monitor developments in secondary legislation and the evolving supervisory activities of relevant authorities.
For more information, please contact Ján Kuklinca and Martin Taimr.
Hungary: Priorities for 2026
Similar to the EU priorities, cybersecurity, roll-out of gigabit connectivity and addressing scam calls will remain key areas of focus for 2026.
For more information, please contact Ádám Simon and Dorottya Nagy.
Spain: Security, resilience and scam measures – Spain’s telecom regulatory priorities for 2026
As we enter 2026, Spain’s regulatory agenda is firmly focused on strengthening the security and resilience of telecommunications networks, services and digital infrastructures, while continuing to tackle scam traffic.
For more information, please contact Alejandro Sola.
France: Key priorities for 2026 and numbering reforms
ARCEP, France's communications regulator, has set out its regulatory agenda for 2026. Key priorities include engaging with the anticipated EU Digital Networks Act proposal, deepening cloud services regulation and Data Act implementation, extending net-neutrality principles to AI ecosystems, completing France's transition to ultra-high-speed networks whilst managing the phased closure of legacy 2G/3G networks, addressing sustainability in the digital sector, and strengthening network resilience and cybersecurity.
For more information, please contact Willy Mikalef and Roxane Olivier.
Finland: A stronger focus on data security and confidentiality of communications
Finland maintains a leading global position in data security, with comprehensive regulations extending across all sectors and encompassing national, economic, and private interests. The national security dimension is being reinforced in 2026 through updated regulation from the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) concerning critical parts of communications networks that will expand the scope of the regulation to 5G network base stations in certain aspects. At the intersection of private and economic interests, we highlight heightened attention regarding confidentiality of communications requirements and their implications for trade secret protection capabilities in Finland.
For more information, please contact Riku Rauhanen and Niilo-Pekka Salminen.
Sweden: Reshaping of the telecoms landscape in 2026
As we enter 2026, Sweden's telecommunications landscape is poised for significant transformation. A series of regulatory proposals and policy initiatives are set to reshape how operators manage infrastructure expansion, combat fraud and contribute to national digitalisation goals. In this article, we outline the key developments that stakeholders in the Swedish telecoms sector should monitor closely.
For more information, please contact Ana-Maria Barbu-Nyström.
Hong Kong: Updates and projections for Hong Kong’s telecom and cybersecurity regime going into 2026
Hong Kong's telecommunications and cybersecurity sectors will see significant developments in 2026 as the Protection of Critical Infrastructure Ordinance takes effect from 1 January, imposing new obligations on designated operators. Key developments include 6G advancement, SIM card registration reforms to combat phone scams, low altitude economy initiatives including passenger-carrying drone deployment, and streamlined satellite licensing.
Saudi Arabia and the UAE: Telecommunications regulatory developments – 2026 outlook
Saudi Arabia and the UAE are accelerating their strategic positioning for next-generation wireless technologies in 2026. Saudi Arabia's Spectrum Outlook, National Frequency Plan consultation, and 7 GHz frequency band trial for 6G, alongside the UAE's dedicated 6G Committee, underscore both jurisdictions' commitment to regional leadership in advanced telecommunications infrastructure and influencing international spectrum policies ahead of 6G deployment in the early 2030s.
For more information, please contact Nick O’Connell and Charles Christie.
Space and satellite – a reflection on 2025 and the outlook for 2026
The space and satellite industry saw record-breaking launch activity and significant regulatory developments in 2025, with governments introducing new frameworks to address orbital congestion and emerging technologies. Looking to 2026, key developments include the EU Space Act progressing towards adoption, Japan's proposed Space Activities Act amendments anticipated in early 2026, and critical 2GHz spectrum allocation decisions across multiple jurisdictions ahead of 2027 licence expirations.
For more information, please contact Hayley Blyth.
UK digital regulation: Telecoms, Online Safety, Spectrum and Space – outlook for 2026
Over the last year we have seen Ofcom, the UK communications regulator, focus on its core areas of responsibility covering online safety, telecoms, spectrum, space, and digital inclusion (alongside post). Looking ahead to 2026, more of the same is expected, and this article considers Ofcom’s key priorities across these areas and its proposed plan of work for 2026/27.
For more information, please contact Rory Coutts, Anthony Rosen and Hayley Blyth.
UK Government Cyber Action Plan
On 6 January 2026, the UK Government unveiled a new Government Cyber Action Plan. The Plan recognises that whilst digitisation of public services offers huge advantages in terms of efficiency and value for money, these benefits can only be realised if public services are secured to be trustworthy and resilient. To achieve this underlying aim, the plan sets out significant changes for how suppliers will be held accountable and how the Government itself will organise its cyber capabilities.
For more information, please contact Isabelle Heatley and Anthony Rosen.
EU: Non-conformity and derogation disclosure obligations for operators under the European Accessibility Act
The European Accessibility Act (Directive (EU) 2019/882) has now been in force across the EU for six months, and in 2026 we can expect to see increasing regulatory activity across the region to enforce accessibility requirements for a number of consumer products and services. In this update, we take a closer look at the obligations upon operators to self-report nonconformity to regulators which have been introduced as part of the Act’s compliance framework, and provide some practical tips on how to manage conformity when operating in more than one EU jurisdiction.
For more information, please contact Kelly Mackey and Deirdre Kilroy.
Open EU public consultations
Bird & Bird's Regulatory and Public Affairs team is ready to help stakeholders with their responses to any of the following public consultations:
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Protocols for reserving rights from text and data mining under the AI Act and the GPAI Code of Practice – Deadline: 23 January 2026
- Political advertising – detailed arrangements for the European repository for online political advertisements – Deadline: 26 January 2026
- Public consultation on the draft BEREC Report on Switching and Termination of contracts – Deadline: 30 January 2026
- European Open Digital Ecosystems – Deadline: 3 February 2026
- Call for Input for further guidance on 5G network slicing – Deadline: 6 February 2026
- Public consultation on the draft Updated BEREC Guidelines on Geographical surveys of network deployment – Deadline: 9 February 2026
- Simplification – digital package and omnibus – Deadline: 27 February 2026
- Digital fitness check – testing the cumulative impact of the EU's digital rules – Deadline: 11 March 2026
For more information, please contact Paolo Sasdelli and Francine Cunningham.
Events
Unpacking the EU Data Act – Where are we now?
20 January
09:30 - 10:30 CET
Online
On 19 November 2025, the European Commission unveiled its first set of proposals as part of a broader effort to streamline Europe’s digital regulatory framework. These proposed changes seek to amend certain provisions of the Data Act with the goal of promoting innovation and ensuring data availability while safeguarding the rights and interests of data holders. Join our experts in this webinar for valuable insights into the latest developments surrounding the Data Act since its application on 12 September 2025.
Key topics to be discussed include:
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National implementation status
- Sector-specific guidance updates
- Reasonable Compensation, Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs) and Model Contract Terms (MCTs)
- Potential impacts of the EU Digital Omnibus package
- Q&A
AI disputes decoded: AI disputes webinar series
27 January
16:00 - 17:00 GMT
Online
Is your organisation prepared for the rapidly evolving landscape of AI litigation?
Bird & Bird is pleased to invite you to the launch of our global webinar series, “AI Disputes Decoded." Join our leading AI disputes experts Anne-Sophie Lampe and Ann Henry, for the first webinar in our new global series examining the most pressing legal challenges in AI disputes, with interactive Q&A.
Understanding the EU e-Evidence Package – Compliance and challenges
3 February
10:30 - 11:30 CET
Online
Join our experts to gain essential insights into the upcoming EU e-Evidence Package, which establishes a harmonised framework allowing law enforcement and judicial authorities in one EU Member State to directly request the production or preservation of electronic evidence (subscriber, traffic and content data) from a service provider’s contact point in another EU Member State.
Key topics to be discussed include:
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Overview and scope of the EU e-Evidence Package
- Implementation status across EU Member States
- Challenges executing European Production and Preservation Orders
- Strategic considerations for designating contact points ("addressees")
- Technical challenges: the decentralised IT system
- Q&A
HR Data essentials: Critical risks for businesses in 2026
4 February
16:00 - 18:00 GMT
Online
In a challenging economic climate, employers face mounting pressure to leverage employee data whilst also juggling complex regulatory obligations and maintaining employee trust.
Need some guidance? Want to hear what others in the market are doing and what novel challenges are coming round the corner?
Join us for our annual online event on Wednesday 4 February 2026 where Bird & Bird’s experts across our award-winning International Privacy & Data Protection and Employment teams will unpack the latest HR Data developments across the globe including tricky issues such as AI integration, background checks strategies and the looming EU-driven pay transparency laws. A full agenda with speakers will follow closer to the event date.
The future of connectivity: How the Digital Networks Act will reshape EU telecoms regulation and investment
Coming early February
The European Commission is set to introduce the Digital Networks Act (DNA), with a draft expected by the end January. This landmark proposal will reshape EU telecommunications regulation, amend or replace the European Electronic Communications Code and address various critical challenges.
Join our experts Feyo Sickinghe, Anthony Rosen, Roxane Olivier and Raoul Grifoni Waterman in early February where they will unpack the proposed DNA and provide practical insights on the key changes and obligations for telecom, infrastructure, and technology companies.
This event will be promoted here very soon.
