Areas of Expertise

Plum Consulting concentrates its work primarily within the technology, media, and telecommunications industries, along with adjacent sectors that are increasingly shaped by digital transformation. Its core areas of focus include:

Spectrum

Plum is widely recognised for its work on radio spectrum policy and management. The firm advises regulators, governments, and commercial operators on the valuation, allocation, and efficient use of spectrum. This includes support for spectrum auctions, spectrum pricing, spectrum sharing arrangements, and the development of national spectrum strategies. Plum's work in this area supports the rollout of mobile networks, broadcasting, satellite services, and other wireless applications.

Telecoms Regulation and Policy

The firm provides advice on the economic regulation of telecommunications markets. This encompasses cost modelling, price control frameworks, market analysis, interconnection and access pricing, and the design of regulatory regimes. Plum supports both regulators seeking to design proportionate and effective interventions and operators responding to or challenging regulatory decisions.

Digital Economy and Policy

Plum works extensively on issues relating to the digital economy, including broadband and connectivity policy, digital infrastructure investment, and the socio-economic impact of digital technologies. The firm advises on national broadband strategies, universal service obligations, and initiatives designed to close the digital divide and improve connectivity in underserved areas.

Media and Content

The consultancy provides analysis and advice relating to broadcasting, audiovisual media, and content markets. This includes work on public service broadcasting, media plurality, content distribution, and the evolving relationship between traditional broadcasters and online streaming platforms.

Competition Economics

Plum applies economic analysis to competition matters within the TMT sectors. This includes merger assessments, market definition, analysis of market power, and support in competition proceedings. The firm's economists provide evidence and analysis for use by regulators, competition authorities, and companies involved in disputes or investigations.

Emerging Technologies

Plum engages with the economic and policy implications of emerging and disruptive technologies. This includes areas such as 5G and future mobile networks, the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and data policy. The firm helps clients understand the commercial opportunities, regulatory challenges, and broader societal impacts associated with these technologies.

Services Offered

Plum Consulting delivers its expertise through a range of consulting services tailored to the needs of its clients:

Strategy and Commercial Advice

Plum supports clients in developing business strategies, evaluating market opportunities, and making investment decisions. The firm provides commercial due diligence, market forecasting, and business case development to help organisations navigate complex and rapidly changing markets.

Economic Analysis and Modelling

A core capability of the firm is quantitative economic analysis. Plum builds cost models, pricing models, and market models that underpin regulatory decisions and commercial strategies. The firm is particularly known for its bottom-up and top-down cost modelling in telecommunications, which is used to inform price controls and regulatory settlements.

Regulatory Support and Advocacy

Plum assists clients in engaging with regulatory processes. This includes preparing responses to consultations, developing evidence and expert reports, and providing advocacy support in regulatory and policy debates. The firm's advice helps clients articulate their positions clearly and substantiate them with robust economic reasoning.

Policy Development and Evaluation

Working with governments and public bodies, Plum supports the design, implementation, and evaluation of public policy. This includes impact assessments, cost-benefit analysis, and studies that measure the effectiveness of policy interventions. The firm frequently undertakes research studies that inform policymaking at national and international levels.

Valuation Services

The firm provides valuations of spectrum, assets, and businesses within the TMT sector. These valuations support transactions, auctions, regulatory settlements, and strategic planning.

Expert Reports and Dispute Support

Plum produces independent expert reports for use in disputes, arbitration, and litigation. Its consultants can provide expert testimony and analysis grounded in economic and technical expertise.

Clients and Reach

Plum Consulting serves a diverse client base that spans the public and private sectors. Its clients include national regulatory authorities, government departments, international organisations, mobile and fixed network operators, broadcasters, satellite operators, technology companies, and industry associations. While headquartered in the United Kingdom, the firm undertakes assignments across Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and other regions, reflecting the global nature of the telecommunications and technology industries.

The firm has worked with well-known regulators and international bodies on significant policy questions, and its research and reports are frequently cited in industry and policy discussions.

Approach and Reputation

Plum Consulting distinguishes itself through the combination of economic rigour and practical sector knowledge that it brings to client engagements. The firm emphasises independence and objectivity, positioning itself as a source of impartial advice on complex and often contested issues. Its work is characterised by evidence-based analysis, transparency in methodology, and a focus on producing actionable recommendations.

The consultancy also contributes to public debate through the publication of research papers, reports, and thought leadership on topics affecting the TMT sectors. This body of published work reinforces the firm's standing as a knowledgeable and credible voice in technology and telecommunications policy.

Summary

Plum Consulting is a specialist economics and management consultancy focused on the technology, media, and telecommunications sectors. Based in London, the firm provides strategic advice, economic modelling, regulatory support, policy analysis, and valuation services to governments, regulators, and companies around the world. With particular strengths in spectrum, telecoms regulation, digital economy policy, and competition economics, Plum Consulting helps its clients address the economic and regulatory challenges arising from technological change and evolving markets.