What will it take to ensure that Europe becomes a leader in 5G and what will this mean for mobile operators, business and European citizens? Is industry doing enough? How can policymakers shape an inclusive society where all European citizens can participate in and feel part of the digital economy?
These were some of the questions debated at the GSMA’s recent breakfast meeting in the European Parliament entitled Ensuring Europe’s Leadership in 5G: Driving Competition and Investment in the Networks of the Future.
Hosted by Michal Boni MEP, the European Parliament’s Rapporteur on 5G and the Gigabit Society, and featuring contributions from Daniel Pataki of the GSMA; Thibault Kleiner, Deputy Head of Cabinet for Commissioner Ottinger; Markus Reinisch of Vodafone; Peter Olson of Ericsson; and Stephen Howard of HSBC, the meeting explored how the policy environment can drive investment and competition for the benefit of European citizens.
Attended by MEPs, Commission officials, representatives of the Member States and the telecoms community, the meeting highlighted the absolutely central role of policy in determining whether Europe’s can achieve its connectivity goals.
The GSMA set out three clear requirements for the EU’s new ‘Gigabit Society’ policy:
• An update to the regulation on network access to make the telecoms market a more attractive place for investment
• An extension of rules that have long applied to mobile operators to online providers of similar services, thereby increasing consumer safety and addressing distortions caused by asymmetric regulation
• A coordinated release of spectrum bands with longer licence terms to avoid fragmentation and provide operators with the confidence to make long-term investments
The session debated the need for investment in the infrastructure to deliver 5G services. Speakers highlighted the importance of early planning for spectrum access and increased spectrum harmonisation, along with the need for the broader industry, not only the mobile community, to be part of the investment cycle. Participants also noted that mobile operators need to work closely with vertical sectors, such as the automotive industry and the healthcare sector, with speakers recognising that all players in the digital ecosystems have a responsibility to create an environment that encourages economic growth.
Industry speakers stressed the importance of leaving technology choices to the market, and treating mobile networks as enabling platforms, rather than utilities from which governments can extract the highest return.
Participants concluded the meeting by broadly welcoming the Commission’s ‘Gigabit Society’ initiative as a positive step for ongoing innovation and investment. The GSMA looks forward to continuing the dialogue with policymakers in this legislative cycle.