The Radio Spectrum Policy Program (RSPP) has been at the core of the EU communication framework since 2012, making it instrumental for the development of 4G networks across the continent. Most of its provisions are still relevant today and have therefore proven to be among the most forward-looking acts introduced in EU law, especially considering how little was drawn on of the Framework Directives (revised) 2009. Nevertheless, a revision of the RSPP Decision is now due, as European Member States are licensing the 5G Pioneer Bands and mobile operators across the region are starting 5G deployments.
Europe is also facing COVID-19, the biggest societal and economic challenge of the century, leading to the de facto shut down of entire countries, severely limiting economic output for months, thus shedding light on the importance of connectivity and of mobile technology as a very powerful and essential enabler during months of quarantine.
Mobile networks have fared well, and around the clock efforts by the mobile industry have ensured that the step-change in demand for connectivity has been met, keeping the work lights on across the continent. However, despite the industry’s strong short-term response to the pandemic, even the very highest-level assessment of the European mobile sector indicates that it is in poor financial health. Return on capital employed, at 4-5%, is at a record low and is below the cost of capital. Global investment capital is taking flight from the European mobile sector, threatening a capital strike, depressing market capitalisation and risking credit downgrades for sector debt just as the new.
In this context, it has become more important than ever that the new RSPP builds on the forward-looking spectrum policy elements of the Code, complementing the new Directive in ways that would further enable the mobile industry to continue doing what it does best, connecting everyone and everything to a better future.
For more information please contact:
Daniel Gueorguiev
Policy Manager, Europe, GSMA
Daniel Gueorguiev is a Public Policy Manager for the Europe, Russia and CIS region at the GSMA. He is working on government and regulatory affairs, where he focuses on telecoms and digital regulatory and policy developments that affect mobile connectivity. In his role, he develops and executes public affairs strategies, campaigns and policy positions for the GSMA and its members in the region.
Prior to joining the GSMA, Daniel worked as a consultant for the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Intuit and Bloomberg, among many. He also worked for the Chair of the Industry Transport and Research and Energy Committee in the European Parliament focusing on digital issues. He began his European career at the College of Europe where he was the assistant to the Intensive Seminar on the EU.
Daniel an Advanced Masters of International Relations of the European Union from the College of Europe in Bruges (Belgium), a Double Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Psychology from McGill University in Montreal (Canada) and a Double College Degree in Politics and Psychology from Vanier College in Montreal (Canada). Daniel speaks fluent English, French, Bulgarian, intermediate Spanish and learning German.