As part of the Digital Single Market Strategy, the European Commission is undertaking the first fundamental review of the EU telecoms rules since 2009. The review proposals are likely to be published in autumn 2016. The Commission’s efforts to modernise regulation in the sector and the Telecommunications Ministers’ decision to put this topic at the core of their Council meeting this month are both welcome steps.
With the right policy and regulatory framework, Europe could, once again, be at the forefront of technological innovation worldwide. The review is a big task, to be undertaken through dialogue between policymakers, industry and stakeholders. Mobile operators are one of the key enablers for the development of a Digital Single Market in general and for cross-border communication, in particular.
Telecommunications markets have changed beyond recognition since the current set of rules was passed into law. Today’s markets are much broader in scope as technologies and services converge. To satisfy their communications needs, consumers can now select from a wide range of service propositions, technologies and providers, many from adjacent industries. The GSMA’s Mobile Economy Europe 2015 report explores the profound socio-economic changes brought about by the rapid spread of mobile connectivity and the digital services it enables.
Now is the time to establish a new set of rules that addresses this new paradigm through clear, long-term thinking. The EU needs a forward-looking and holistic policy and regulatory framework that further strengthens Europe as a preferred location for investment and innovation, while ensuring European citizens benefit from consistent protection across similar services. Moreover, greater policy harmonisation, particularly with respect to spectrum, could improve the quality, reach and adoption of mobile broadband services and support the EU’s Digital Single Market objectives. To better exploit the scale of a Digital Single Market, governments and policymakers must deliver a regulatory reset that incentivises greater investment in connectivity and promotes the roll out of advanced mobile solutions across industries and public services.
To build a well-balanced regulatory framework for the next wave of technologies and services, ongoing cooperation between mobile operators and policymakers is required. The GSMA is ready to facilitate this cooperation and looks forward to continuing to work with the policymakers to help shape a balanced and forward-looking policy for the EU telecoms framework review.