{"id":16265,"date":"2026-07-13T16:19:09","date_gmt":"2026-07-13T15:19:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/?p=16265"},"modified":"2026-07-16T14:49:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-16T13:49:00","slug":"gsmaconnected-breakfast-launch-gsmai-report-efficient-operator-scale-in-european-mobile-markets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/general\/gsmaconnected-breakfast-launch-gsmai-report-efficient-operator-scale-in-european-mobile-markets\/","title":{"rendered":"#GSMAConnected: launching the GSMA report \u201cEfficient operator scale in European mobile markets\u201d"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GSMA-Efficient-Operator-Scale-in-European-Mobile-Markets-2026-DIGITAL.pdf\">Read the report<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<div id='gallery-1' class='gallery gallery_tiles galleryid-16265 gallery-columns-3 gallery-size-full'><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-0'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-57.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A group of people in business attire are seated around a large oval table in a modern office meeting room, engaged in discussion. Laptops, papers, and food are on the table. Large windows line the back wall, letting in natural light.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-57.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-57-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-57-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-57-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-57-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-1'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-56.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"People sit around a conference table set with coffee, juice, pastries, and papers. A person in the foreground reads documents with charts. Name badges and notebooks are on the table; a presentation screen is visible in the blurred background.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-56.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-56-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-56-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-56-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-56-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-2'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-574.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A woman with long brown hair, wearing a grey blazer and white top, sits at a table with her hands clasped. There is a blurred fruit bowl and a nameplate partially reading &quot;Maria Sandin Valle&quot; in front of her, and a window in the background.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-574.png 1600w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-574-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-574-1024x682.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-574-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-574-1536x1023.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-3'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0071.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"Four people sit around a conference table with documents, fruit, and drinks. A man in a suit gestures while speaking; a woman beside him listens. A laptop, paperwork, and juice are visible. Large windows show a city view in the background.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0071.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0071-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0071-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0071-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0071-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0071-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-4'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0035.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A man in a suit gestures while speaking at a meeting table with another man. Nameplates, juice, and fruit are on the table. Glass walls reflect office lights, and two blurred figures are in the foreground. The scene appears professional and collaborative.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0035.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0035-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0035-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0035-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0035-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0035-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-5'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-576.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A woman and a man sit at a conference table with laptops, discussing intently. The man gestures with his hand whilst speaking. Food, drinks, and notebooks are on the table. Glass walls and office reflections appear in the background.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-576.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-576-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-576-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-576-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-576-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-6'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-578.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A woman with curly hair and glasses sits at a conference table reading a red-covered book. The table is set with pastries, juice, glassware, and name badges. Other attendees are present in a modern office setting with large windows and teal walls.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-578.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-578-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-578-1024x682.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-578-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-578-1536x1023.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-7'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1368\" height=\"912\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-575.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A person in a blue shirt writes in a notebook at a conference table with a coffee cup, a name card, sandwiches, and a red GSMA report titled \u201cEfficient operator scale in European mobile markets\u201d showing a city with network graphics.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-575.jpg 1368w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-575-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-575-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/PHOTO-2026-07-07-11-52-575-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1368px) 100vw, 1368px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-8'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0164.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A man with a beard in a grey blazer gestures while speaking at a meeting table, with a woman in a navy jacket listening beside him. Papers, glasses of water, and a laptop are visible; plants and white walls are in the background.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0164.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0164-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0164-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0164-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0164-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0164-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-9'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0116.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A man in a suit gestures while speaking at a conference table, engaging several blurred colleagues. Coffee cups, papers, and laptops are on the table; a dark teal wall and coat rack are in the background. The atmosphere appears professional and focussed.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0116.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0116-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0116-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0116-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0116-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0116-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div><div class='gallery-item' data-micromodal-trigger='modal-1-10'>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<a class='image_link' href='#' ><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0130.jpg\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"A group of people in business attire sit around a long conference table covered with documents, food, drinks, and nameplates. They appear engaged in discussion. A large screen and potted plants are visible in the modern, well-lit meeting room.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0130.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0130-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0130-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0130-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0130-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/2026_07_07_GSMA_Brussels_breakfast_event_0130-2048x1366.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>7 July 2026: Efficient operator scale is central to the telecoms merger debate. With the EU Merger Guidelines under review, the question of how competition policy frameworks can truly capture the dynamic effects of consolidation arises. The publication of the new GSMA Intelligence report titled \u201cEfficient operator scale in European mobile markets\u201d provided a timely opportunity to discuss these challenges and their implications for Europe\u2019s competition policy.<\/p>\n<p>The event brought together competition law and economics experts representing DG Competition, GSMA, academia, the telecommunications sector and European consumers for an engaging and constructive discussion on the optimal market structures for enabling efficient investment, innovation and long-term consumer welfare.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Efficient Operator Scale in European Mobile Markets: Insights from the GSMA Report\" width=\"900\" height=\"506\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/KmdKcHPrTtI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n<p><strong>Report presentation: \u201cEfficient operator scale in European mobile markets\u201d <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Pau Castells (GSMA Intelligence) presented the key findings of the report, which provides new empirical evidence on how operator scale affects network investment, 5G deployment, network quality, and pricing outcomes across European markets, with a focus on the mobile data era.<\/p>\n<p>The report finds that:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Operators with greater scale deliver 48% more investment across Europe\u2019s mobile markets;<\/li>\n<li>Consumers do not pay higher prices for the improved performance and increased investment observed in more concentrated markets;<\/li>\n<li>Europe has the lowest level of market concentration among major economies, resulting in a fragmented market structure that is constraining investment in next-generation networks and slowing the rollout of 5G Standalone.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Balancing scale, competition and consumer welfare<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Emanuele Tarantino, Chief Economist at DG Competition and Lorien Sabatino, Assistant Professor at the Department of Management of the Politecnico di Torino\u2019s remarks were followed by a lively debate amongst participants on the impact on investment, innovation and competitiveness of market structures, characterised by different degrees of scale.<\/p>\n<p>The discussion explored several key questions: where investment by mobile operators is most urgently needed to benefit consumers; whether consolidation is the most effective tool to drive growth; and what could incentivise long-term investment commitments by mobile operators.<\/p>\n<p>The question of how consumer welfare is assessed in merger reviews was central to the debate and attendees underlined that any future merger would need to demonstrate clear and tangible benefits for consumers.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Shaping the future of Europe\u2019s mobile markets <\/strong><\/p>\n<p>As the European Commission reviews the EU Merger Guidelines, one thing is clear: delivering better outcomes for consumers has always been a central objective of competition policy; safeguarding consumer welfare requires merger assessments that look beyond rigid presumptions based on market structures and fully account for dynamic benefits such as quality, innovation and resilience, especially at a time when sustained investment in next-generation networks is increasingly urgent. The GSMA Intelligence report provides a strong evidence base for a more forward-looking approach to merger assessments \u2013 one that reflects market realities and supports the investment, innovation and resilience needed for Europe\u2019s digital future &#8211; and was widely recognised by participants as a valuable contribution to the debate on how Europe can build more competitive, innovative and sustainable mobile markets.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/GSMA-Efficient-Operator-Scale-in-European-Mobile-Markets-2026-DIGITAL.pdf\">Read the report<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">#GSMAConnected Series: Small scale Big impact<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This event is part of the #GSMAConnected Series of Events (formerly Mobile Meetings Series). These are small-scale, invitation-only meetings that provide a setting to explore, from a broader stakeholder\u2019s perspective, EU policy issues that are central to the development of the mobile industry.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&nbsp; 7 July 2026: Efficient operator scale is central to the telecoms merger debate. With the EU Merger Guidelines under review, the question of how competition policy frameworks can truly capture the dynamic effects of consolidation arises. The publication of the new GSMA Intelligence report titled \u201cEfficient operator scale in European mobile markets\u201d provided a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":75,"featured_media":16301,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_oasis_is_in_workflow":0,"_oasis_original":0,"_oasis_task_priority":"","_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"[]"},"categories":[1,28],"tags":[],"algolia_discover_type":[],"class_list":["post-16265","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general","category-news"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v24.3 (Yoast SEO v27.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>#GSMAConnected: launching the GSMA report \u201cEfficient operator scale in European mobile markets\u201d - GSMA Europe<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.gsma.com\/about-us\/regions\/europe\/general\/gsmaconnected-breakfast-launch-gsmai-report-efficient-operator-scale-in-european-mobile-markets\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_GB\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"#GSMAConnected: launching the GSMA report \u201cEfficient operator scale in European mobile markets\u201d\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"&nbsp; 7 July 2026: Efficient operator scale is central to the telecoms merger debate. With the EU Merger Guidelines under review, the question of how competition policy frameworks can truly capture the dynamic effects of consolidation arises. 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