The paper analyses the challenges Europe faces in the rollout of future connectivity networks and presents possible solutions.
Titled “How to master Europe’s digital infrastructure needs?”, the document outlines several ideas on how to foster the innovation, security and resilience of digital infrastructures in Europe.
It envisages the creation of a “Connected Collaborative Computing” Network to set up integrated infrastructures for telco cloud and edge, which could be used in the development of innovative technologies and AI applications for various use cases.
It also promotes the idea that Europe should foster a true single market for telecoms by considering measures to ensure a true level playing field and to rethink its current regulatory framework’s scope of application and objectives.
This could entail a more harmonised approach to authorisation procedures of telecom operators, a more integrated governance at EU level for spectrum and possible changes in wholesale access policy.
“In Europe, we still have 27 national telco markets with different network architectures, different levels of network coverage, different national spectrum management, and different regulations. This fragmentation is a missed economic opportunity. With the White paper we have identified various policy solutions to help the creation of a Single Market for Telcos,” says Margrethe Vestager, Executive Vice-President for a Europe Fit for the Digital Age.
As the document is a white paper, it does not propose specific legislation but is instead designed to encourage a debate with the public and stakeholders. The white paper is currently up for consultation, and the deadline for responses is 30 June 2024.
