About: 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.
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.
Pilar del Castillo: With changed rules, EU telecoms bill ‘can really boost investment’
Pilar del Castillo, the Spanish centre-right MEP leading negotiations on the EU's new telecoms bill, defends in an interview the European Parliament’s agreement on telecoms competition.
Member states reject Commission plan for 25-year spectrum licences
EU member states have rejected a European Commission proposal to extend licences for wireless radio spectrum to last at least 25 years—one of the cornerstones of the EU executive's new attempt to overhaul telecoms law.
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.
Mobile roaming fees disappear, but MEPs want more EU rules
European mobile phone contracts are required to charge domestic rates for calls, SMS and data use when users travel in the EU starting today (15 June), capping off a ten-year fight to get rid of roaming fees.
Play in digital premier league? Europe must reform spectrum policy
The next generation of connected devices will change our lives. But the high-speed, reliable mobile connectivity they need requires collaboration across the EU and long-term regulatory certainty, writes Afke Schaart.
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.
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.
Ansip: Additional taxes on robots would be ‘unwise’
European Commission Vice-President Andrus Ansip is optimistic about the digital revolution. After visiting the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona this week (27 February-2 March), he still believes Europe is "in a good position" to lead the next generation of mobile broadband (5G).
EU telecom sector on track for 5G switch to win the global race
Development of the next mobile broadband generation (5G) is progressing better than expected and the first devices could be available by the end of this decade. But more investment is sorely needed.
Member states support spectrum shake-up for mobile internet
The Council endorsed on Thursday (26 June) the European Commission’s proposal to liberate the 700 MHz frequency by 30 June 2020, in time for the irruption of the next generation of wireless broadband (5G).
Think tankers: Skype and telcos should be regulated in the same way
The EU should have just two sets of rules for telecoms: one for infrastructure, and one for services, argue Alexandre de Streel and Bruno Liebhaberg. When similar services are on offer, the same rules should apply regardless of the technology, they contend.
Does the mobile industry have a future?
As the Mobile World Congress gets underway in Barcelona, Luigi Gambardella considers what kind of future the European mobile industry can expect and what can be done to improve services and consumer satisfaction.