Radio spectrum
Europe’s new era – only possible with 5G
If the EU misses out on 5G it could lead to a drain of world leading tech companies in Europe (of which there are only a few), if it wants to catch up to America and China then it has to deliver on 5G before anyone else, writes Gunnar Hökmark.
Brussels pivots on controversial investment clause in EU telecoms bill
The European Commission has proposed new criteria to guide investment in telecoms networks, in a twist that is likely to stir disagreement as EU negotiators try to strike compromise over a draft telecoms bill.
EU’s 5G hopes at stake over disagreement on radio spectrum
Much of the Brussels policy crowd visiting this year's Mobile World Congress in Barcelona headed home early to monitor, lobby or take part in another round of tense negotiations over a draft EU telecoms law that is taking place on Wednesday and Thursday (28 February-1March).
Ansip: Europe must switch immediately to 5G
Europe must switch “immediately” to fast 5G mobile networks, EU Commissioner Andrus Ansip told EURACTIV in an interview.
Europe in ‘terrible hurry’ as pressure mounts in global race for 5G
There will be growing pressure this week on European companies and politicians as they struggle to keep up with Asia and the United States on launching fast 5G mobile services.
Bulgaria makes telecoms overhaul a focus during Council presidency
Bulgaria will focus its attention on speeding up negotiations on a major telecoms bill when it takes over the six-month, rotating presidency of the Council of ministers in January.
Telecoms ministers snub Commission’s spectrum overhaul in 5G strategy
Telecoms ministers from EU countries agreed on a plan to set up fast 5G internet networks by 2025, five years after the European Commission's original proposal, and snubbed a proposal to reform rules for selling off radio spectrum.
Europe’s opportunity to lead on 5G deployment is dwindling
Europe’s window of opportunity to lead on 5G deployment is closing fast, writes Gabriel Solomon. A repeat of Europe’s mistake on 4G roll out would be regrettable.
Digital skills and 5G centre stage as precision farming vies to enter mainstream
Farmers, digital experts and representatives from the agricultural technology industry joined forces in Brussels on Thursday (12 October) to urge policymakers to bring precision farming into the mainstream in the EU.
Big member states are dividing the EU on digital agenda
Four countries - Germany, France, Italy and Spain - drafted a paper outlining their priorities ahead of last Friday’s (29 September) digital summit, where heads of state gathered in Estonia. Poland’s Digital Minister Krzysztof Szubert told EURACTIV.com their paper risks dividing EU member states on digital issues.
MEPs and ministers hit back on EU plan for longer spectrum licenses
MEPs and national ministers are stripping down an EU proposal to change how wireless radio spectrum is sold to telecoms companies.
Gabriel breezes through cozy hearing on way to top EU digital job
Mariya Gabriel, the 38-year-old Bulgarian MEP tipped to become the new EU digital chief, told MEPs during her approval hearing that she wants to “comply” with the European Commission's policy priorities.
Proximus CEO: High quality Belgian network ‘is reflected in the price’
Belgium has higher mobile phone prices than many other countries in Europe because of the high quality of its network, Dominique Leroy told EURACTIV.com. Looking forward, she said more spectrum was badly needed to cope with soaring demand for mobile data.
Thirteen member states double down on opposition to EU spectrum rules
A group of thirteen EU member states have doubled down on a pushback by national governments against the European Commission's proposed changes to radio spectrum policy, arguing it will sweep away their powers to auction off spectrum to telecoms operators.
Network quality vital for Europe’s move to ‘Gigabit Society’
While capacity and speed will always be important, European companies need networks that are exceptionally reliable and adaptable to launch new technologies across Europe, writes Richard Swinford.
Europe’s digital union is stuck in Brussels
A draft EU telecoms law could cause major economic growth and create jobs, but there is a high risk it could be diluted by the Brussels compromise machine, write Steven Tas and Lise Fuhr.
In Barcelona, cutting-edge technologies struggle to demonstrate their potential
As the Mobile World Congress continued, the "father" of Li-Fi said his LED-based wireless connection technology deserves EU support, while Blockchain developers defended the positive impact of the public ledger on society at large.
EU calls for greater industry involvement in 5G
The European Commission this week will urge EU member states and the private sector to get more involved in the development of the next generation of broadband networks enabling the digital revolution, as the World Mobile Congress opens in Barcelona.
EU strikes tentative deal on 700 MHz band for mobile internet
The Slovak Presidency, which made bringing “deliverables” to EU citizens one of its priorities, reached an informal agreement with the European Parliament on the coordinated use of a key frequency band that will allow the introduction of 5G as of 2020.
After botched first attempt, Commission proposes new roaming bill with no time limit
In a bid to save face after a wave of outrage following a botched first attempt earlier this month, the European Commission proposed a new bill today (22 September) to get rid of mobile roaming charges by next year.
New telecoms rules mark ‘quiet revolution’ as Commission aims to boost internet speed
A set of EU telecoms laws will be remodelled when the European Commission proposes an overhaul today (14 September) of how the sector is governed.
New telecoms rules: bringing Europe’s internet up to speed?
The European Commission proposed changes to laws governing telecoms service in September 2016 that will affect how people use the internet and phones around the EU. There’s a lot at stake for consumers, former state-owned monopolies and emerging service providers: the...
Telecoms operators will face new rules on competition with rivals
Telecoms companies will face new rules on how they can access internet networks under a change to EU law that could stoke tensions between large, former monopolies and smaller operators.