By: Bakinam Khaled

we welcome the incoming Hungarian Presidency of the European Union. It is a particularly positive sign to see the Presidency place the future of telecommunications high on its priorities list,  armonized  the opportunity we now have to take decisive action in encouraging the robust and essential investment in Europe’s digital infrastructure to enable its future progress and prosperity.

The GSMA and the European mobile industry will work closely with the Presidency, the European Commission and the new Parliament to advance Europe’s competitiveness by ensuring that Europeans can take full advantage of the potential for world class connectivity.

In this spirit, the GSMA responded on behalf of the mobile industry to the European Commission’s white paper “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?”. Our call to action is clear – achieving a more connected and innovative Europe based on  a digital single market that demands a bold new approach. Therefore the GSMA, alongside our mobile operator members, is calling for:

A rebalancing of the digital ecosystem by ensuring equivalent rules for all service providers, levelling the playing field and promoting healthy competition across the digital value chain by adopting a mechanism to ensure swift resolution of eventual disputes between parties in the internet ecosystem.

A re-evaluation of the existing regulatory framework that was conceived 20-30 years ago, and an update to the policy objectives and principles to match today’s market realities and challenges.

A more long-term view on investment and innovation effects that will allow European telecom operators to build scale in-market consolidation.

The establishment of a pro-investment approach to EU spectrum policy, including the adoption of best practices to achieve a more predictable and  armonized approach to spectrum auctions, licensing costs, the prolongation of licences, and the identification of future bands.

The extension of circular economy principles to network equipment and the EU taxonomy for green investment in electronic communication networks, based on robust metrics.

The GSMA and its European operator members also strongly recommend to move ahead with a legislative proposal – a Digital Networks Act without delay.

The goal shared by EU institutions and the European mobile industry is clear: to realise a connected, competitive, digital, and green future for European society, ensuring we remain masters of our destiny.

To achieve this vision, collaboration and swift action are paramount. The Hungarian Presidency of the European Union has the opportunity to spearhead these efforts, driving debate among member states in a quest to create the right environment for investment in Europe’s digital infrastructure. We look forward to playing our role in that crucial journey. Together, we can build a brighter digital future for all.