Telecoms regulation
While internet value chain grows, telecom operators lag behind
While internet value chains continue to grow by 15% per year, a new report by GSMA warns that market imbalances between network operators and online service providers could threaten global growth prospects in several sectors.

Radio spectrum: inside the next challenge for 5G deployment
A significant new spectrum needs to be attributed to 5G usage for the new generation of networks to carry out their full benefits, as the next years could be crucial for Europe to catch up or further fall behind in this technological race, Luciana Camargos told EURACTIV.
Commission to make online platforms contribute to digital infrastructure
The European Commission is set to present a legislative initiative to make content-heavy platforms contribute to the cost of telecom networks before the end of the year.
The upcoming challenges of the telecom industry
As society becomes increasingly digitalised, it relies more heavily on ICT infrastructure. At the same time, the telecom market is called to address some key challenges societal challenges.
France wants slightly lagging industry to catch up on 5G
The French government this week announced new measures to help the country's industry which has fallen "slightly behind" in embracing the opportunities that come with transiting to a 5G network. EURACTIV France reports.
Telecom industry to brace open networks despite established interests
Open Radio Access Network [RAN] is set to favour innovation in the telecommunication market, but legacy operators resist the change as they fear a drop in profitability and market shares.
Make content platforms pay for digital infrastructures, telecom CEOs say
The CEOs of Telefónica, Deutsche Telekom, Vodafone and Orange have called on the European Commission in an open letter to make large content providers contribute to the infrastructural investments.
French operators urge large platforms to contribute to network costs
French telecom operators presented a list of grievances and 15 proposals to candidates in the presidential race on Thursday (3 February), including the proposal for "major digital content providers" to contribute to the "costs of networks to ensure their economic and environmental sustainability". EURACTIV France reports.
EU renews roaming until 2032 with gradual reductions for data cost
The EU institutions adopted a recast version of the roaming regulation on Wednesday evening (8 December), extending for ten years the legislation that allows Europeans to use their phones inside the bloc without extra charges.
EU Parliament backs roaming extension until 2032, price cuts
The European Parliament has backed the extension of free roaming services in the EU until 2032 and its position envisages lower cap prizes than initially proposed, provisions on intra-EU calls, stronger quality of service, and transparency obligations for telecom providers.
French senators welcome 4G deployment strategy, bemoan not being involved
The French Senate's Finance Committee on Tuesday (28 September) presented its recommendations on the national strategy for the deployment of 4G in France, highlighting the "substantial progress" in terms of coverage, but also raising a few points of concern. EURACTIV France reports.
Digital Brief powered by Facebook: Nvidia seeks clearance, Germany’s conflicting views, DMA & DSA Council updates
Welcome to EURACTIV’s Digital Brief, your weekly update on all things digital in the EU. You can subscribe to the newsletter here. “We are working through the regulatory process and we look forward to engaging with the European Commission to address...
Digital Brief: Big Tech, Big Lobbying, Ireland’s fine, politics-free Facebook
Welcome to EURACTIV’s Digital Brief, your weekly update on all things digital in the EU. You can subscribe to the newsletter here. “The Commission is open to meeting anyone who wishes to speak to us. The Commission does not, and will...
EU court rules zero tariff offers violate open internet, roaming provisions
The European Union’s highest court ruled on Thursday (2 September) that unlimited streaming offers from Vodafone and Deutsche Telekom violate EU roaming and net neutrality rules.
Digital Brief powered by Facebook: Pegasus affair, Schrems III, online anonymity questioned
Welcome to EURACTIV’s Digital Brief, your weekly update on all things digital in the EU. You can subscribe to the newsletter here. “These [allegations] have to be verified, but if it is the case, it is completely unacceptable, against any kind...
Digital Brief: ePrivacy derogation adopted, YouTube’s algorithm, killer acquisitions
Welcome to EURACTIV’s Digital Brief, your weekly update on all things digital in the EU. You can subscribe to the newsletter here. “This interim regulation ends uncertainty for companies. It does not end the danger to children. This is only a...
Europe needs ambitious roaming
EU lawmakers must stay ambitious about roaming, and that means keeping caps as low as possible, writes Miapetra Kumpula-Natri.
Connectivity is the starting point for the 2030 digital targets
Digital connectivity is a precondition for achieving the EU digital agenda, but filling the existing digital gap will require a concerted approach among policymakers at the EU and national level and coordination with private providers.
EU Commission greenlights German initiative to eradicate ‘dead spot’ problem
The European Commission approved on Tuesday (25 May the German government's plan to invest almost €1.1 billion in expanding its network in order to finally get to grips with the smouldering problem of so-called 'dead spots'.
Digital Brief powered by Google: Parliament bashing US data transfers, Ireland’s GDPR enforcement, UK adequacy decision
Welcome to EURACTIV’s Digital Brief, your weekly update on all things digital in the EU. You can subscribe to the newsletter here. “The Commission must not repeat the same mistakes by negotiating and signing off on data transfer agreements with third...
5G : French constitutional court backs provisions of ‘anti-Huawei law’
France's highest court ruled on Friday (5 February) that the law introduced by the government on the security of 5G networks - dubbed 'anti-Huawei law' - is consistent with the Constitution. EURACTIV France reports.
US praises German moves to sideline Huawei from 5G networks
The US administration has welcomed reports that Germany is set to take a tougher stance against the Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, also noting that they would welcome the country into the US's so-called 5G 'clean network' program.
France is right, kids home during the pandemic shouldn’t use phones for hours
The US should follow the lead of France when it comes to testing the radiation from mobile phones, writes Devra Davis, arguing that we still don't really know how safe the devices and their networks are.
France will not let Huawei’s investments influence its 5G expansion plans
French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire said Huawei's willingness to open a factory in France would not change "the government's position on 5G in any way". EURACTIV's partner La Tribune reports.