On 21 February, the European Commission presented its widely anticipated white paper on ‘How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?’, laying the foundation of Europe’s approach to connectivity policy following the European elections in 2024. The EU has already drawn a blueprint for its connectivity ambition with the Gigabit Infrastructure Act. Thierry Breton, the EU Commissioner for Internal Market, previously signalled the inclusion of the Digital Networks Act on his agenda, opening the door for consideration of further telecommunications legislative proposals.
This white paper represents an official moment in the policymaking process, outlining the needs of the telecommunications sector, presenting ambitious scenarios, and pointing towards future goals. The paper establishes new EU connectivity ambitions and provides a crucial opportunity for reactions from network operators, cloud providers, industry, and regulators.
Why is the European Commission seeking to amend its telecommunications policy?
Policymakers are concerned by the urgent risk of the EU falling short of its 2030 digital targets, as well as wider economic objectives and its position among global competitors. Recent geopolitical developments have underscored the importance of a resilient, competitive EU digital economy, highlighting the need to modernise the EU’s digital infrastructure and regulatory framework.
Three pillars
Given the current challenging landscape, ambitious scenarios are structured around three pillars.
- Creating the ‘3C Network’ – ‘Connected Collaborative Computing’: Fostering innovation by establishing a vibrant European ecosystem with pilot projects and encouraging collaboration across the digital landscape.
- Completing the Digital Single Market: Establishing a more integrated governance structure at the EU level for electronic communications, including a transition from copper networks to full-fibre, the proposal of a European wholesale access product, EU core network centralisation with cloud computing in 5G, and a more harmonised approach to authorisation and the greening of digital networks.
- Secure and resilient digital infrastructures in Europe: Strengthening advanced research and innovation (R&I) activities to support new fibre and cable technologies, as well as consideration of broader harmonisation of security requirements.
Next steps
The European Commission has now opened a formal consultation until 30 June 2024, seeking feedback from a wide range of stakeholders across the public sector, industry, civil society, and academia in preparation for future policymaking following the EU elections.
The ongoing regulatory developments in the EU telecommunications sector offer a strategic opportunity to advocate for a regulatory environment that supports core network centralisation. This input will inform the future of connectivity policy in the EU. By focusing on harmonisation, security, innovation, and cross-border collaboration, stakeholders can play a crucial role in shaping policies that help the rapid deployment of 5G networks and the realisation of a Digital Single Market.
Access Partnership supports our clients to make innovative cloud and 5G telecommunications technology work for the EU’s broader strategy to modernise its digital infrastructure and regulatory framework.
Contact our experts to find out how your organisation can make the most of developments in connectivity, telecoms, and tech regulation and policy.
