#GSMAConnected | European Spectrum Policy for the Digital Decade

Global events over the last three years have reminded us that advanced telecom networks are essential if Europe is to be successful in its pursuit of global leadership in the digital economy, remaining secure and resilient in the face of unpredictable global threats, and able to achieve its migration towards net-zero.

The EU’s ambitious digital vision for the decade envisages full 5G or 5G equivalent coverage by 2030. Meeting the Digital Decade targets requires powerful cellular networks in rural and dense areas, yet analysts agree that there is a multi-billion Euro investment gap, which recovery funding alone will not address. With industry returns below cost of capital, the challenge is to identify how to reverse investor flight.

Radical reform of the telecom policy environment is needed to change the economics of telecom networks in Europe, and spectrum policy is one of the key levers in the hands of policymakers to ensure that telecoms networks deliver strong and sustainable economic growth and full 5G for all European citizens and businesses by the end of the decade.

This #GSMAConnected event will gather key EU policy and industry decision-makers to discuss how the mobile industry and spectrum policy can help deliver the EU Digital Decade.

Programme:

8:45-9:00 | Welcome coffee and registration
9:00-9:10 | Introductory remarks on EU spectrum policy by Kyriakos Baxevanidis, Acting Head of Unit, Radio Spectrum Policy, DG CONNECT, European Commission
9:10-9:20 | 5G evolution in the EU and role of the mobile industry by Javier Domínguez Lacasa, Head of Spectrum Policy and Regulatory Intelligence, Telefónica, and Chair of Frequencies Operator Expert Group, GSMA.
9:20-9:30 | Spectrum policy requirements by Ross Baterson, Special Advisor, Spectrum, GSMA
9:30-9:40 | EU investment climate by Harald Gruber, Head of Digital Infrastructure Division, Projects Directorate, European Investment Bank
9:40-10:30 | Discussion with participants:

• Current status of 5G rollout in the EU
• What are the barriers to further deployment and how can the EU move towards full 5G coverage by 2030
• How can digital inclusion be ensured so that citizens and businesses in rural areas enjoy the same network quality as urban areas
• What role does spectrum policy play in achieving the EU’s ambitious targets

The event will be moderated by Emma O’Toole, Senior Manager, Spectrum, GSMA.

For more information please contact [email protected].

#GSMAConnected Series: Small scale Big impact

This event is part of #GSMAConnected Series of Events (formerly Mobile Meetings Series). These are small-scale, invitation-only meetings that provide a setting to explore, from broader stakeholder’s perspective, EU policy issues that are central to the development of the mobile industry. This event will be held under Chatham House rules. Registration will be limited to one representative per company.