The Digital Networks Act - GSMA Europe

The Digital Networks Act - GSMA Europe

From pioneering mobile technologies to connecting millions of people and businesses, Europe helped shape the digital world we know today.

As the demand for faster, smarter and more resilient networks grows, Europe faces a choice: maintain the status quo and fall behind; or reclaim its leadership in connectivity by creating the conditions for the next wave of investment, innovation and growth.

The Digital Networks Act (DNA) is a unique opportunity to steer Europe’s connectivity ecosystem towards greater ambition, simpler and fairer rules.

The GSMA on behalf of the European mobile industry, calls for delivering impactful and long-lasting change that can underpin Europe’s digital growth and restore the bloc to a competitive footing globally.

In particular, the mobile industry calls for:

1. Spectrum

The embracing of the draft proposals on spectrum management and in particular licence duration and renewal, with the immediate adoption of automatic renewals in light of hundreds of imminent expirations

2. Simplification

The streamlining of duplicative and outdated rules, particularly where horizontal frameworks already exist, and the avoidance of introducing new reporting requirements for operators

3. Open Internet Rules

The modernisation of Open Internet rules, most notably greater flexibility for traffic management, differentiated quality of service and freedom of choice for B2C services, the exclusion of B2B services from the scope, and the extension of these principles to all relevant actors in the value chain

4. Satellite

A “same service, same rules” approach for mobile network operators and satellite providers

5. Consolidation Mechanism

A mandatory, binding dispute resolution mechanism for mobile operators to negotiate with large traffic generators, overseen by the European Commission

6. End-user Rights and USO

The repeal of the ePrivacy Directive while maintaining the principle of confidentiality of communications in a horizontal framework

7. General Authorisation

Remove harmful interlinkages with the CSA2 and ensure that minimum conditions genuinely reflect the conditions needed for market entry

8. Sustainability

Remove additional red tape in line with the European Commission’s simplification agenda

Latest reports and research

A smiling woman with curly hair, wearing a beige trench coat, holds a mobile phone outdoors. Sunlight highlights her face. Text reads "The Mobile Economy Europe 2026" with GSMA and a signal icon in the corners.

Report cover with a swirling blue and teal abstract background. Title reads “A Dynamic Framework for the Assessment of Horizontal Mergers.” Logos for BRG, GSMA, and Connect Europe appear. Authors and date: January 2026, Xavier Boutin, Laurent Eymard, Mark Williams.

A report cover with the title "Spectrum Pricing and Renewals in Europe: Supporting consumers and economic growth" by GSMA. The background features abstract blue and green digital waves with small glowing dots, conveying a technological theme.

Hear from the experts

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Highlights from “Ireland 2026: Shaping Europe’s Connectivity Future”

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MWC26 Ministerial Programme – Europe’s DNA Test

Two men in suits sit onstage in armchairs, conversing for a live event. A large sign behind them reads “Europe’s big bet on connectivity.” The scene is warmly lit; audience members watch. A play button overlays the centre, indicating a video.

Reclaiming Europe’s leadership in connectivity and digital innovation

Latest activity

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European Parliament workshop on the Digital Networks Act

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Ireland’s EU Presidency and the Digital Networks Act: A united vision for reform

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EVP Virkkunen meets European GSMA Board CEOs for strategic discussions on the DNA

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