DIGITALEUROPE comments on trialogue agreement on the European Electronic Communications Code

On spectrum

Considerable progress has been made. Clear promises on the release of 5G spectrum were coupled with forward-looking rules on the harmonised deployment of small cells. This will make it easier to build wireless infrastructure and achieve a faster deployment of 5G networks, including for verticals.

On co-investment

Rules on co-investment in the new framework were a strong point of the proposal and have the ability toencourage deployments that wouldn’t otherwise happen. However, while the rules originally put forth bythe Commission were straightforward and unambiguous, DIGITALEUROPE regrets that the final text may be too complex, leaving operators with great uncertainty about the regulatory treatment, ultimately undermining the ability to build an investment case. We therefore urge regulators to work positively with industry to allow for more investment to happen and be rewarded in the market.

On services

DIGITALEUROPE is pleased to see a partially more targeted approach towards regulation of online voice, video and messaging services, with the exclusion of number-independent services from the general authorisation regime. The Code is nonetheless a missed opportunity to create a genuine single market governance regime for all digital communication services and to harmonise security and end-user rights. For years, tech innovation has brought down barriers and reduced cost and time to market. A much more streamlined, proportionate fully harmonised approach would have created a much more conducive ecosystem for all players to innovate in new digital services.