Cloud services market investigation
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-31)

The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigated the supply of public cloud infrastructure services in the UK.

Statutory timetable

Phase 2

Next steps

This market investigation has now closed.

The market investigation has recommended that the CMA use its digital markets powers (https://www.gov.uk/guidance/how-the-uks-digital-markets-competition-regime-works) to prioritise commencing strategic market status (SMS) investigations, to consider designating the 2 largest providers – Microsoft and Amazon Web Services (AWS) – with SMS in relation to their respective digital activities in cloud services.

In June 2025 the CMA said in a press release (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-takes-first-steps-to-improve-competition-in-search-services-in-the-uk) that it will keep under review possible options for further designation investigations, and anticipates that the CMA Board will consider options in early 2026.

To contact the CMA about this, email xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx).

Final report

The CMA has published the final decision of its market investigation into cloud infrastructure services.
- Summary of final decision (PDF, 155KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b20e6ff8c05468cb7b120/summary_of_final_decision.pdf) (31.7.25)
- Final decision report (PDF, 4.9MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b8891fdde2b8f73469544/final_decision_report.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix A: Demand for cloud services and how customers purchase cloud services (PDF, 565KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b7fa9fc784fa12a08906d/Appendix_A_-_Demand_for_cloud_services_and_how_customers_purchase_cloud_services_31.7.25.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix B: Parameters of competition (PDF, 165KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b7fc3d8da16bcb846951c/Appendix_B_-_Parameters_of_competition.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix C: Quantitative surveys (PDF, 237KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b7fdbfdde2b8f7346951c/Appendix_C_-_Quantitative_surveys.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix D: Market structure and concentration methodology and UK share of supply by revenue (PDF, 265KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b7ffafc784fa12a08906e/Appendix_D_-_Market_structure_and_concentration_methodology_and_UK_share_of_supply_by_revenue.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix E: Profitability analysis (PDF, 547KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b801164845fffe808906d/Appendix_E_-_Profitability_analysis.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix F: Pricing (PDF, 198KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b80385612925da6a94da8/Appendix_F_-_Pricing.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix G: Quality and innovation (PDF, 162KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b8054fdde2b8f7346951e/Appendix_G_-_Quality_and_innovation.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix H: Prevalence of switching methodology (PDF, 162KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b8079d8da16bcb846951e/Appendix_H_-_Prevalence_of_switching_methodology.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix I: Prevalence of multi-cloud (PDF, 191KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b80af5612925da6a94da9/Appendix_I_-_Prevalence_of_multi-cloud.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix J: Barriers to entry and expansion (PDF, 77KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b80cafdde2b8f73469520/Appendix_J_-_Barriers_to_entry_and_expansion.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix K: Public sector procurement (PDF, 196KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b80f1fc784fa12a089070/Appendix_K_-_Public_sector_procurement.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix L: Egress fees – background (PDF, 231KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b812afdde2b8f73469521/Appendix_L_-_Egress_fees_-_background.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix M: Egress fees – analysis of customers’ cost scenarios (PDF, 276KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b8143d8da16bcb8469523/Appendix_M_-_Egress_fees___analysis_of_customers__cost_scenarios.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix N: Egress fees – free switching programmes (PDF, 303KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b8169fc784fa12a089071/Appendix_N_-_Egress_fees___free_switching_programmes.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix O: Egress fees – customer views on egress fees (PDF, 242KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b817cfc784fa12a089072/Appendix_O_-_Customer_views_on_egress_fees.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix P: Egress fees – internal documents (PDF, 125KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b819264845fffe808906e/Appendix_P_-_Egress_fees_internal_documents.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix Q: Egress fees – analysis of cloud providers’ cost of egress (PDF, 274KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b81a7d8da16bcb8469525/Appendix_Q_-_Analysis_of_cloud_providers__cost_of_egress.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix R: Market power – supplementary framework and evidence (PDF, 465KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b81c15612925da6a94daa/Appendix_R_-_Market_power___supplementary_framework_and_evidence.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix S: Methodology for a cloud provider’s analysis of licensing costs (PDF, 126KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b81d5fdde2b8f73469525/Appendix_S_-_Methodology_for_a_cloud_provider_s_analysis_of_licensing_costs.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix T: Licensing analysis (PDF, 286KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b81f364845fffe8089070/Appendix_T_-_Licensing_analysis.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix U: The impact of CSAs on competition, a quantitative analysis (PDF, 239KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b820a5612925da6a94dab/Appendix_U_The_impact_of_CSAs_on_competition__a_quantitative_analysis_.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix V: The impact of CSAs on competition, a qualitative analysis (PDF, 124KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b8223d8da16bcb8469529/Appendix_V_-The_impact_of_CSAs_on_competition__a_qualitative_analysis.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Appendix W: Remedies not taken forward in this market investigation (PDF, 640KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688b84836c7eb66caea94db3/Appendix_W_-_Remedies_not_taken_forward_in_this_market_investigation.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Glossary (PDF, 136KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688c6ce8fc784fa12a0890df/glossary_final_decision.pdf) (1.8.25)
Administrative timetable
- Administrative timetable (PDF, 101KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66eaa5047e1cc5c579ad5ba9/administrative-timetable-updated041224.pdf) (updated 4.12.24)
Response hearing summaries

Summary of hearing with Amazon Web Services (AWS) (PDF, 152KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67f66c2a563cc9c84bacc3dd/Summary_of_hearing_with_Amazon_Web_Services.pdf) (10.4.25)

Summary of hearing with Microsoft (PDF, 162KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67f66c41b7e44efc70acc3eb/Summary_of_hearing_with_Microsoft.pdf) (10.4.25)

Summary of hearing with Google (PDF, 153KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67f66c5490615dd92bc90dc6/1._Summary_of_hearing_with_Google.pdf) (10.4.25)

Responses to provisional findings
- AWS (PDF, 476KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c1885fa0f0c95a498d20e2/AWS_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- Blackbox Hosting (PDF, 178KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67da89f45bad4b1a7f01edb6/Blackbox_Hosting_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- CCIA (PDF, 306KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c1889d16dc9038974dbcbd/CCIA_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- Civo (PDF, 119KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c188b4a0f0c95a498d20e9/Civo_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- CFSL (PDF, 227KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/688c6d23d8da16bcb8469585/cfsl_provisional_findings.pdf) (1.8.25)
- Cloudflare (PDF, 176KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c188c8a0f0c95a498d20ea/Cloudflare_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- Dr George R Barker (PDF, 659KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67da9306a87d546feeda01e9/Dr_George_R_Barker_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (19.3.25)
- Google (PDF, 386KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c188dda0f0c95a498d20eb/Google_response_to_the_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- International Centre for Law and Economics (PDF, 429KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c1890768a61757838d20ec/International_Center_for_Law_and_Economics_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- Microsoft (PDF, 1.3MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67d1bea40c569e0d48fb0a6f/Microsoft_response_to_provisional_decision_2.pdf) (28.2.25)
- OVHcloud (PDF, 321KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c5b883b0bb6528ee866d1a/OVHcloud_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (3.3.25)
- Open Cloud Coalition (PDF, 154KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c1896968a61757838d20ee/Open_Cloud_Coalition_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- Prolinx Ltd (PDF, 144KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c190eba0f0c95a498d20f7/Prolinx_Ltd_response_to_provisional_decision1.pdf) (28.2.25)
- Rayo (PDF, 121KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c19102b0bb6528ee866c41/Rayo_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- Rob Sedgwick (PDF, 78KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c1911d68a61757838d20fa/Rob_Sedgwick_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- Simon Hansford (former CEO, UK Cloud Ltd.) (PDF, 160KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c1913372e83aab48866c59/Simon_Hansford_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
- Startup Coalition (147KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67c1914fb0bb6528ee866c42/Startup_Coalition_response_to_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.2.25)
Provisional findings

28 January 2025: The CMA has published its provisional decision in its market investigation into the supply of public cloud infrastructure services in the UK. We have provisionally found competition concerns in these markets.
- Summary of provisional decision (PDF, 150KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67989251419bdbc8514fdee4/summary_of_provisional_decision.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Provisional decision report (PDF, 3.9MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6798ecb1419bdbc8514fdf8a/cloud_mi_provisional_decision_report.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix A: Demand for public cloud services and how customers purchase cloud services (PDF, 457KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976a62cbd1e3a508a22c6b/Appendix_A_2.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix B: Parameters of competition (PDF, 162KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976a7ae0edc3fbb06062f4/Appendix_B.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix C: Assessment of quantitative surveys (PDF, 230KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976a92cbd1e3a508a22c6d/Appendix_C.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix D: Market structure and concentration methodology (PDF, 151KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976aabfe1eabe7d7a22c6c/.Appendix_D.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix E: Profitability analysis (PDF, 462KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976ac5cbd1e3a508a22c6e/.Appendix_E.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix F: Pricing (PDF, 431KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976b2dcbd1e3a508a22c6f/Appendix_F.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix G: Quality and innovation (PDF, 160KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976b47e0edc3fbb06062f8/Appendix_G.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix H: Prevalence of switching methodology (PDF, 164KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976b5fcfd3deafa04fde5d/Appendix_H.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix I: Prevalence of multi-cloud (PDF, 359KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976b73cbd1e3a508a22c70/.Appendix_I.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix J: Barriers to entry and expansion (PDF, 77KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976b84cfd3deafa04fde5e/Appendix_J.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix K: Public sector procurement (PDF, 174KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976ba0419bdbc8514fde5b/Appendix_K.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix L: Egress fees - background (PDF, 229KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976bb9419bdbc8514fde5c/Appendix_L.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix M: Egress fees - hypothetical scenarios (PDF, 193KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976bcfcbd1e3a508a22c71/Appendix_M.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix N: Egress fees - free switching programmes (PDF, 262KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976be7419bdbc8514fde5d/.Appendix_N.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix O: Customer views on egress fees (PDF, 246KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976c05cbd1e3a508a22c72/Appendix_O.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix P: Egress fees - internal documents (PDF, 124KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976c21419bdbc8514fde5e/Appendix_P.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix Q: Egress fees - analysis of cloud providers’ cost of egress (PDF, 279KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976c3acbd1e3a508a22c74/.Appendix_Q.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix R: Licensing - market power supplementary framework and evidence (PDF, 448KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976c52e0edc3fbb06062fa/.Appendix_R.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix S: Methodology for a cloud providers’ analysis of licencing costs (PDF, 109KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976c6de0edc3fbb06062fb/Appendix_S.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix T: Licensing data analysis (PDF, 401KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976c82fe1eabe7d7a22c6e/.Appendix_T.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix U: The impact of CSAs on competition, a quantitative analysis (PDF, 403KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976c9b419bdbc8514fde61/Appendix_U_3.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix V: The impact of CSAs on competition, a qualitative analysis (PDF, 124KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976cb0419bdbc8514fde62/Appendix_V.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Appendix W: Remedies (PDF, 654KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976cc8cfd3deafa04fde60/Appendix_W_3.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Glossary (PDF, 130KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976cddcfd3deafa04fde61/Glossary.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Notice of provisional findings (PDF, 157KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/67976cf4419bdbc8514fde63/Notice_of_provisional_findings.pdf) (28.1.25)
- Press release: CMA publishes provisional findings in cloud services market (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-independent-inquiry-group-publishes-provisional-findings-in-cloud-services-market-investigation) (28.1.25)
Extension of market investigation

19 September 2024: The CMA decided to extend the statutory deadline for the cloud services market investigation by 4 months.
- Extension notice (PDF, 123KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66eaa5749975b7a980b304b5/Extension_notice_1.pdf) (19.9.24)
Hearing summaries
- Summary of hearing with Amazon Web Services (AWS) (PDF, 139KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7fa6910f8726dc23aa16a/240702-aws-hearing-summary.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- Summary of hearing with Microsoft (PDF, 163KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7fa9324c4f1826d81bb30/240716-microsoft-hearing-summary.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- Summary of hearing with Google (PDF, 179KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7faa710f8726dc23aa16b/240719-google-hearing-summary.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
Responses to working papers and updated issues statement
- AWS (PDF, 641KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668271155b0d63b556a4b4e9/AWS_response_to_the_CMA_s_working_papers_and_updated_issues_statement_-_25_June_2024.pdf) (1.7.24)
- AWS (CRA economic response) (PDF, 738KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7fb8610f8726dc23aa16c/aws-cra-economic-response.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- AWS (CSA response) (PDF, 352KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7fba1c069f68b7681bb34/aws-response-csa.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- AWS (egress fees response) (PDF, 257KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7fbc1c069f68b7681bb37/aws-response-egress-fees.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- AWS (licensing response) (PDF, 426KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7fbd6c069f68b7681bb38/aws-response-licensing.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- AWS (technical barriers response) (PDF, 643KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7fbf310f8726dc23aa16e/aws-response-technical-barriers.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- Banking Provider 1 CMA Response (PDF, 122KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0c5810808eaf43b50d5e9/Banking_Provider_1_CMA_Response.pdf) (24.7.24)
- BT Group Response to the CMA (PDF, 169KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0c4dda3c2a28abb50d5fc/BT_Group_Response_to_the_CMA.pdf) (24.7.24)
- CCIA (PDF, 244KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668271287d26b2be17a4b4b9/CCIA_response_to_CMA_Cloud_MI_Competitive_Landscape_WP.pdf) (1.7.24)
- CCIA response - CMA Cloud MI - Technical Barriers (PDF, 253KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0c630ce1fd0da7b592bf1/CCIA_response_-_CMA_Cloud_MI_-_Technical_Barriers.pdf) (24.7.24)
- CCIA response - Cloud MI - Licensing Practices (PDF, 258KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0c6bbfc8e12ac3edb0370/CCIA_response_-_Cloud_MI_-_Licensing_Practices.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Dr George R Barker response (PDF, 684KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66827226c7f64e234209018f/240627_zeds_Submission_of_Dr_George_R_Barker_to_CMA_Working_Papers_.pdf) (1.7.24)
- Dr George R Barker response (PDF, 560KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0c71c0808eaf43b50d5ee/Dr_George_R_Barker_response_to_CMA_6_June.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Ennis S and Evans B Response (PDF, 251KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0c782ab418ab055592c15/Ennis_S_and_Evans_B_Response.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Former UK Cloud employees response (PDF, 529KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0c8c649b9c0597fdb039d/Former_UK_Cloud_employees_response.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Google Cloud (committed spend agreements) (PDF, 266KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6682719faec8650b100901a8/Non-confidential_-_Google_Cloud_s_response_to_the_CMA_s_committed_spend_agreements_working_paper_dated_23_May_2024.pdf) (1.7.24)
- Google Cloud (competitive landscape) (PDF, 246KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668271e54ae39c5e45fe4df6/Non-confidential_-_Google_Cloud_s_response_to_the_CMA_s_competitive_landscape_working_paper_dated_23_May_2024.pdf) (1.7.24)
- Google Cloud (egress fees) (PDF, 339KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668271bac7f64e234209018c/Non-confidential_-_Google_Cloud_s_response_to_the_CMA_s_egress_fees_working_paper_dated_23_May_2024__1_.pdf) (1.7.24)
- Google Cloud’s public response to the CMA’s Licensing Practices working paper (PDF, 121KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0af72a3c2a28abb50d5e5/Google_Cloud_s_public_response_to_the_CMA_s_Licensing_Practices_working_paper.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Google Cloud (potential remedies) (PDF, 195KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0af900808eaf43b50d5cc/Google_Cloud_s_response_to_the_CMA_s_Potential_Remedies_working_paper.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Google Cloud (technical barriers) (PDF, 303KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0afa2ab418ab055592bf2/Google_Cloud_s_response_to_the_CMA_s_technical_barriers_working_paper.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Google Cloud (follow-up response) (PDF, 787KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7fc1724c4f1826d81bb33/google-response-hearing-follow-up.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- IBM (committed spend agreements) (PDF, 232KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6682714c5b0d63b556a4b4ec/IBM_Comments_on_CMAs_working_paper_on_committed_spend_agreements_-_250624_-_Final_-_Non-confidential_version.pdf) (1.7.24)
- IBM (egress fees) (PDF, 257KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6682717f97ea0c79abfe4dbe/IBM_Comments_on_CMAs_working_paper_on_egress_fees_-_250624_-_Final_-_Non-confidential_version.pdf) (1.7.24)
- IBM (technical barriers) (PDF, 284KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0afb8fc8e12ac3edb034b/IBM__Comments_on_CMA_s_working_paper_on_technical_barriers.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Microsoft (identity and access management) (PDF, 231KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7fc35f8082e9740881b26/microsoft-identity-access-management.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- Microsoft (technical barriers) (PDF, 182KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66e7fc54e4b40ed591881b28/microsoft-technical-barriers-conceptual-remedy-submission.pdf) xx-xxxx-xxxx)
- Microsoft response to the competitive landscape, committed spend agreements and egress fees working papers (PDF, 490KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0afd2ce1fd0da7b592bd5/MICROSOFT_response_to_the_competitive_landscape__committed_spend_agreements_and_egress_fees_working_papers.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Microsoft response to the licensing working paper (PDF, 668KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0afe60808eaf43b50d5cd/MICROSOFT_response_to_the_licensing_working_paper.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Microsoft response to the technical barriers working paper (PDF, 555KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0affca3c2a28abb50d5e6/MICROSOFT__response_to_the_technical_barriers_working_paper.pdf) (24.7.24)
- OkTik Technology (PDF, 125KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668271ff5b0d63b556a4b4ed/OkTik_Technology_comments_on_Cloud_services_MI_-_non-confidential_version.pdf) (1.7.24)
- Oracle, consolidated commentary to the CMA’s Updated Issues Statement, its working papers, and the Market investigation qualitative customer research final report (PDF, 191KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0b0bece1fd0da7b592bd6/Oracle__consolidated_commentary_to_the_CMA_s_Updated_Issues_Statement__its_working_papers__and_the_Market_investigation_qualitative_customer_research_final_report.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Open Cloud Coalition response (PDF, 191KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/6798a0464686aac15860638c/Open_Cloud_Coalition_response.pdf) (28.1.25)
- R. Parisi, The Cloud Services Markets’ Competitive Landscape: A contribution to the CMA (PDF, 239KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/668272127d26b2be17a4b4bd/Rafael_Parisi__a_Senior_Fellow_at_the_George_Washington_University.pdf) (1.7.24)
- Social Market Foundation, clearing the air confronting the cost to cloud adopters of restrictive software licensing practices (PDF, 1,489KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0b1580808eaf43b50d5ce/Social_Market_Foundation__clearing_the_air_confronting_the_cost_to_cloud_adopters_of_restricitve_software_licening_practices.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Startup Coalition response to the CMA’s Working Papers - Public cloud infrastructure services market investigation (PDF, 62KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0b16aa3c2a28abb50d5e8/Startup_Coalition_response_to_the_CMA_s_Working_Papers_-_Public_cloud_infrastructure_services_market_investigation.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Vodafone, Cloud interim papers (PDF, 103KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0b17bfc8e12ac3edb034c/Vodafone__Cloud_interim_papers.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Wasabi response (PDF, 132KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66b0a07dab418ab0555932a5/Wasabi_response.pdf) (5.8.24)
Updated issues statement
- Updated issues statement (PDF, 244KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66618c622605fac482e67be5/Updated_issues_statement.pdf) (6.6.24)
Working papers
- Technical barriers (PDF, 976KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66618c942605fac482e67be6/Technical_barriers_.pdf) (6.6.24)
- Licensing practices (PDF, 1077KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/666196c287d3bfaf688c86a1/Licensing_practices__final.pdf) (6.6.24)
- Potential remedies (PDF, 327KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66618caec703062f7b8c869b/Potential_remedies.pdf) (6.6.24)
- Competitive landscape (PDF, 1.37 MB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664f1917bd01f5ed3279411c/240520_Competitive_Landscape_WP_2_.pdf) (23.5.24)
- Egress fees (PDF, 813KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664f2556993111924d9d3aa8/240521_-_Egress_Fees__.pdf) (23.5.24)
- Committed spend agreements (PDF, 545KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664f0300f34f9b5a56adccfd/Committed_spend_agreements_working_paper.pdf) (23.5.24)
Primary research

23 May 2024: Market research report published
- Market investigation qualitative customer research final report (PDF, 1,274KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664f02634f29e1d07fadcd56/Cloud_Services_Market_Investigation_Qualitative_Customer_Research_Final_Report_.pdf) (23.5.24)
Progress update

23 May 2024: We have published a short update on the progress of the cloud services market investigation.
- Cloud services market investigation progress update (PDF, 199KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/664f0369bd01f5ed32794105/__Progress_update___.pdf) (23.5.24)
Responses to issues statement
- ACT The App Association (PDF, 303KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656dfdd81104cf000dfa74b2/A._ACT_The_App_Association_Evidence_on_CMA_Issues_Statement_on_Public_cloud_infrastructure_services_market_investigation_Redacted.pdf) (5.12.23)
- AWS (PDF, 336KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656dfdf59462260705c568c4/AWS_Response_to_CMA_s_Issues_Statement_dated_23_November_2023.pdf) (5.12.23)
- Banking Provider 1 (PDF, 125KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656dfe591104cf000dfa74b4/Banking_Provider_1_issues_statement_non-confidential_response.pdf) (5.12.23)
- CCIA (PDF, 280KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656dff041104cf0013fa74b4/CCIA_response_to_CMA_cloud_issues_statement.pdf) (5.12.23)
- CFSL (PDF, 979KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656dff1c0f12ef070e3e01eb/CFSL_Response_to_CMA_Cloud_Services_Issues_Statement_November_2023.pdf) (5.12.23)
- CISPE (PDF, 293KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e009b1104cf0013fa74b5/CISPE_CMA_filing_-_Final_091123_-_Non_confidential_version.pdf) (5.12.23)
- Cloud Provider 1 (PDF, 3,323KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e00c09462260721c568ae/Cloud_Provider_1_CMA_Investigation_Letter__Redacted_Final_.pdf) (5.12.23)
- Company A (PDF, 160KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e00d91104cf0013fa74b6/Company_A_Non-Confidential__Redacted_.pdf) (5.12.23)
- Former UKCloud employees (PDF, 165KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e01700f12ef070e3e01ec/Former_UKCloud_employees_Response_to_issues_statement_Redacted.pdf) (5.12.23)
- Google Cloud (PDF, 394KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e01891104cf000dfa74b7/Google_Cloud_s_Response_to_the_CMA_s_Issues_Statement__9_November_2023_.pdf) (5.12.23)
- IBM (PDF, 194KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/65819ff523b70a000d234c0f/IBM_-_Cloud_Market_Investigation.pdf) (20.12.23)
- Individual response 1 (PDF, 79KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e01a09462260705c568c7/A._Individual_response_1_Comments_on_Cloud_services_market_investigation_Redacted.pdf) (5.12.23)
- Microsoft (PDF, 311KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e01b59462260705c568c8/Microsoft_-_Response_to_the_CMA_Issues_Statement.pdf) (5.12.23)
- Oracle (PDF, 201KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e01cc9462260721c568af/OracleResponse_CMA_IssuesStatement.pdf) (5.12.23)
- OVH Cloud (PDF, 532KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a0d69949b9c0597fdb03bc/OVH_Cloud_response_to_issue_statement.pdf) (24.7.24)
- Prolinx Ltd (PDF, 163KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/657afd52095987000d95e117/Prolinx_Ltd_-_Public_cloud_infrastructure_services_market_investigation_-__redacted_.pdf) (15.12.23)
- Startup Coalition (PDF, 65KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e01fe0f12ef070e3e01ee/Startup_Coalition_-_Public_Response_CMA.pdf) (5.12.23)
- UKCTA (PDF, 170KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e02100f12ef070e3e01ef/UKCTA_Response_Cloud_Market_Review_Proposal.pdf) (5.12.23)
- Vodafone (PDF, 96KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/656e02280f12ef070e3e01f0/Vodafone_-_non_confidential_CMA_Cloud_Investigation_Issues_statement.pdf) (5.12.23)
Issues statement

17 October 2023: The issues statement outlines initial theories on what might be affecting competition and potential remedies. It does not set out our findings or conclusions. Parties are invited to provide submissions commenting on the issues and possible remedies. The deadline for submissions on the issues statement is Thursday 9 November 2023.
- Issues statement (PDF, 237KB) (https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/652e958b6972600014ccf9f6/Issues_statement__updated.pdf) (17.10.23)
- Press release: CMA outlines scope of market investigation into cloud services (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-outlines-scope-of-market-investigation-into-cloud-services) (17.10.23)
Inquiry group appointed

5 October 2023: The CMA has appointed an inquiry group from its panel of members Kip Meek (inquiry Chair) (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/inquiry-chairs-biographies#kip-meek), Robin Foster (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#robin-foster), Paul Hughes (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#paul-hughes) and Colleen Keck (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/cma-panel-member-biographies-and-disclosures-of-interest/panel-members-biographies#colleen-keck).

Case opened and terms of reference published

5 October 2023: Ofcom has referred the supply of public cloud infrastructure services in the UK to the CMA for a market investigation.
- Terms of reference (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-2/cloud-services-market-study) (5.10.23)
- Press release: CMA launches market investigation into cloud services (https://www.gov.uk/government/news/cma-launches-market-investigation-into-cloud-services) (5.10.23)
Phase 1

5 October 2023: Ofcom published its decision to refer the supply of public cloud infrastructure services in the UK to the CMA for a market investigation.

6 October 2022: Ofcom published a market study notice launching its market study into the provision of cloud services in the United Kingdom.

5 April 2023: Ofcom published the interim report on its cloud services market study. Alongside its interim report, Ofcom consulted on its proposal to make a market investigation reference into the supply of public cloud infrastructure services in the UK.

Please see Ofcom’s Cloud services market study page (https://www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-2/cloud-services-market-study) for more information.

Contact

xxx@xxx.xx (mailto:xxx@xxx.xx)

The CMA may collect, use and share personal data for its market investigations under the Enterprise Act 2002. This includes processing personal data for the purposes of the UK General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act 2018.

For more information about how the CMA handles personal information, please see the CMA’s personal information charter (https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/competition-and-markets-authority/about/personal-information-charter).