Investment in Europe’s digital networks is investment in European growth. European Commission Vice-President Ansip’s recognises this link, predicting the Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy could add €415 billion to Europe’s annual economic output. The DSM’s 16 initiatives are designed to harness the potential of digital technologies and services to drive growth in different sectors, such as transport, health, finance and smart cities. In particular, the Commission has recognised the value of Internet of Things (IoT) and machine-to-machine (M2M) technologies to realising what Commissioner Oettinger calls “Industry 4.0”, meaning the addition of connectivity to a vast array of machines, vehicles and other items.
Realising the Digital Single Market depends on investment in digital networks. That is why Europe’s digital investors are so heavily engaged in so many of the DSM initiatives. Indeed, the GSMA is putting the finishing touches to numerous DSM consultation submissions. For the mobile sector, the biggest of those consultations is the Telecom Framework Review, into which the GSMA submitted its 197-page response on 7 December. The GSMA has also already submitted responses on contract rules for online purchases, and separate spectrum and IoT consultations. Moreover, the GSMA is in the final stages of responding to consultations on ICT standards, on online platforms, cloud and data, liability of intermediaries and the EU’s VAT regimes.
In short, there will be a lot of festive reading material for policy makers in preparation for the first year of ‘DSM delivery’. The GSMA looks forward to concrete proposals in the New Year for a new legal framework for digital investors that is as future-proof as it can be. As the GSMA’s submissions make clear, the digital economy is moving much faster than law-making can. Yet policies have to encourage the much-needed digital investment that will, in turn, underpin and enable the digital future for all envisaged by the DSM. That is why the GSMA believes future proofing should be a central aspiration for digital policy makers.
Given the potential of digital to realise European growth, it could be a very rewarding New Year for all. But right now we should spare a thought for the Commission’s policymakers wading through all the submissions.